Issue Date
1950-11-10
Volume
12
Issue Number
22
Plaintext
;Srtr • • ::•
Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf Diatrict, Seafarers International UHion of North America
VOL. XII NEW YORK. N. Y» FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10. 1950 No. 22
'i Doff My Hat'
To US Seamen,
Says Judge Knox
In a stirring tribute to the Am
»ican seamen, Fedejial Judge
John Knox of New York recent
ly dec^red that "had it not been
for them the war could not have
been fought, and certainly, it
could not have been won,"
Judge Knox's colorful descrip
tion of the seamen'^ part in
World War II was part of an
address delivered in New York
City.
The text of the Judge's re
marks alx)ut merchant seamen
follows;
At this point, I shall digress
for the moment, and say a word
concerning the men who, dioring
the war, were unsung, and al
most forgotten; a group of "men,
many of whom swear and curse,
who drink and brawl, and who
often take delight in raising hell.
Their uniforms are dungarees,
and frequently they are all but
naked. Upon Fifth Avenue they
never parade, and the Waldorf
Astoria knows them not. When
on shore, their habitat is South
Street and the New York water
frpnt. Yet, had it not been .for
them, the war could not have
been fought, and certainly, it
could not have been won. The
supplies with which your sons
engaged in combat were given
them by the swearing, cursing,
drinking men of whom I have
spoken—men of stamina, knowl
edge, skill and fidelity —7 men
whose bodies were formed in
molds from which heroes com(
the men of the American Mer
chant Marine!
MET SURVIVORS' KIN
Down in my court, a few years
ago, I had custody of hundreds
of thousands of • dollars. I had
to distribute that money. None
"of it went to the persons fpr
whom it was originally intended.
Their Tjones were a litter on the
floor of the seven seas. The
throats of some were frozen stiff
inthe wastes of the Arctic, and
others, in the South Pacific, were
eaten by sharks. Still more were
burned alive or coldly murdered
by machine gunners of German
submarines. These men no long
er are in need of funds. The
mioney went to their wives and
next of kin.
Frpra what I have seen of men
on the merchant ships of the
United States, I gladly doff my
hat 'and respectfully bend my
kiiee to th? men—hiunble and
bad as many of them be—^who
today go down to the sea in
ships. LoyaUy and ? devoteifiy
tbfy'serve us, and help America
carry on the commerce of the
LaborSupported Candidates
Thank SlU For Election Aid
In following the policy laid down by the American Federation of Labor,
many hundreds of Seafarers voluntarily joined other trade unionists in sup
porting candidates friendly to organized labor in the campaigns that ended
on Election Day. Below are reprinted some of the messages of appreciation
sent to SecretaryTreasurer Paul Hall by successful candidates who were
given voluntary support by SIU members in the Port of New York.
All of the candidates who were aided have put themselves on recordto
fight for retention of the Union Hiring Hall.
The recent election was the occasion for a gratifying participation by the
people through many of their organi5!;ations in the functioning of democracy. Your
organization was one of those which shared in an outstanding and constructive* way
in the effort to inform the people of the issues and to arouse them to the importance
of voting.
I am deeply grateful for the confidence shown in me by the members of your
Union and by their support as reflected in an intensive program of activity in be
half of my candidacy. I am sure that this contributed significantly to the outcome.
I hope that my work as Senator from New York during the next six years
will make your members feel that their efforts have been rewarded. I shall do my
best. Yours very sincerely,
Herbert H. Lehman, United States Senator
Please extend to the officials and members of your Union my sincere apprecia
tion for their efforts on my behalf. To have had the Cooperation of your members
during the election campaign and the use of your sound equipment was very gratify
ing. It made me feel that my work in Congress has been appreciated. I'm looking for
ward" to again serving with the^best at my command when I return to Congress. Sin
cerely yours,
Arthur G. Klein, Member of Congress
Heartfelt thanks for your valued support in my successfuL campaign for re
election to Congress. Sincere personal regards and best wishes.
Louis B. Heller, Member of Congress
Your great support in behalf of my successful campaign for reelection to
Congress is deeply appreciated. My sincere personal regards.
JohA J. Rooney, Member of Congress
Many thanks for your wholehearted support in behalf of my successful cam
paign for reelection to Congress. Sincere regards to your entire organization.
Donald L. O'Toole, Member of Congress
The help you gave my campaign on Staten Island and throughout the entire
Congressional District with your sound truck and other activities has been of great
advantage to me. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude and express my appreciation to
your entire membership with warmest personal regards.
James J. Murphy, Member of Congress
Congratulations on your magnificent job in aiding my campaign. You are prov
ing what I have contended all along, that trade unions are the bedrock of our democ
racy and trade tuaidn meni will be found always fighting for justice and truth in our
society regardless of party or other considerations. Please accept my sincere thanks
for your outstandingly fine cooperation.
\ Jacob K. Javits, Member of Congress
Accept my wncere thanks for all your efforts in my behalf. Your help was a
great factor in my reelection. Regards.
Isidore DoUinger, Member of Congress
Through the courtesy of the Seafarers International Union a sotmd truck has
been campaigning for me in my Congressional District. Please convey my sincere
thanks to all >our members forthe part they have played in this effort. I appreciate
it very much. Please extend to all your niembers also my congratulations and thanks
for* their very effective accomplishment in the general campaign on behalf of both the
Democratic and Liberal candidates. Sincerely yours.
Franldin D. Roosevelt, Jr., Member of Congress
American Ships
Played Key Role
in Korean Crisis
Figures received by the SEA
FARERS LOG this week showed
that the US merchant marine
played a highly decisive role in
the UN's successful defense and
counteroffensive in Korea, ̂ y de .
livering mountains of much need'
ed supplies in the critical days
of battle.
In the 90 days following the*
outbreak of hostilities US mer
chant shipping shifted gears from
normal world trade overnight,
£md sent more than 80 privately .
owned ships steaming to Korea
laden with war supplies.
OUT OF LAYUP
At the same time American
seamen were called upon to take
from the boneyard over 130 gov
ernment owned idle ships, fit
them out, load cargo and rush
westward to the battle* zone.
Of these ships, 33 privately
owned vessels and 13 govern
ment owned ships were manned
by crews of the SIU.
During this critical period the
US ships carried 80 percent of
the 3 miHion tons of cargo—ex^
elusive of petroleum products
delivered. The vessels carried 300
times the amount carried by air.
Foreign ships accounted for
but six percent of the dry cargo
traffic.
US Merchant Fleet
On The Increase:
One Vessel Is Added
America's privately owned
merchant fleet increased during
the month of September, accord
ing to figures compiled by the
National Federation of American
Shipping. One vessel was added.
The (fleet now stands at 728
dry cargo ships and 450tankers,
the new addition being the pur
chase from the Maritime Admin
istration of a dry cargo Liberty.
CHARTERS
Supplementing the privately
owned fleet are 193 government
owned ships chartered to private
operators for use in supporting
UN forces in Korea.
The agency also noted that 23
additional ships have been re
moved from the layup fleet for
repairs, but assignment to actual
operation depends on the inter
national situation.
The layup fleet now totals
2,049 ships, among which are
24 World War 11 tankers, li604
Liberty vessels and 136 Victory
ships.
r Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG
m i
SEAFARERS LOG
Published Every Other Week by the
SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION
OP NORTH AMERICA
Attantic and Gulf District
AffiliMed with the AiiiericStn j^ed&mlidh oi Labot
At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y.
HAnover 22784
Reentered as second class matter August 2, 1949, at the Post
Office in New York, N.Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912.
267
After Twelve Years
This month marks the twelfth anniversary of the
• birth of the SlU's Atlantic and Gulf District. According
to the calendar we're young in ye^rs, but the history of
our Union's activities and accomplishments shows that the
A&G District has emerged from the first dozen years of
its exis/tence as a seasoned veteran inl the continuing fight
for greater security for the American seamen.
When the SIU A&G District stepped into the picture,
the maritime industry offered American seamen nothing
. more than a chaotic existence. Wages Were poor and ship
board conditions were worse. Job security was something
that had no place in the seamen's lingo and representation
'Was virtually nonexistent. Under such circumstances it
Was natural that there was no dignity attached to a sailing
Career.
Space limitations of an editorial column do not per
liiit a blowbyblow accouht of the Union's winning
battle in behalf of seafaring men. But a brief mention of
a few of the solid advances we have scored to date will
emphasize the fact" that the picture has changed com
pletely.
For example, Seafarers today are assured of a demo^
cratic employment procedure second to none^the rotary
system of shii>ping. Although enemies of organized labor
have repeatedly sought to smash the hiring hall, our
Union has militantly preserved this backbone of the free
seamen's moveihient.
Along with the rotary system the SIU A&G District
consistently set the pace for the highest wage scales and
the finest ship b&ari conditions in the maritime industry.
And men aboard SlUcontracted ships enjoy representa
tion that has few equals anywhere.
In the past few months, the SIU established what
sjeamen the world over have been dreaming about for,
decades—a Welfare Plan designed to provide security for
£ Seafarers and their dependents. The .plan is new and bene
fits thus far are limited to weekly hospital benefits and
. death benefits to beneficiaries, but the ultimate objective
if is a form of security that Will enable Union members to
live decently after they are no longer physically able to
go to sea.
No wonder one of our oldtimers summed it up this
way the other day: "If anyone would have suggested
when we started out 12 years ago that Seafarers would
have all they have today, I'd have told him he Was dream
ihg."
' ^All of which proves that when Seafarers stick to
gether .and keep pitching for the common good, they
can make dreams come true.
Cast Your Vote
Between now and December 31, Seafarers will be
reminded constantly of one of their primary rights.and
obligations as good Union men and advocates of the demO'
cratic process. We're speaking of voting in the elections
now being conducted in all A&G District Branches to
select officials to serve our Organization during the coming
year. .
* Balloting started on November 1, and although the
first week brought a good turnout to the Union polls, it
is highly important that each and every Seafaier physically
• able should get his ballot and have his secret say.
' Picking your Union Officials by secret vote is your
<jlemocratic right. Exercise this right—by voting. Do it
now!
STATEM ISLAND
R. P. NIEVES
F. KUBEK
D. KOROLIA
J. LUCAS
J. MOLINI
B. RAMIREZ
J. HANSON .
L. HOLLIDAY
R. GRESHAM
C. FIGUEROA • ^ • •
B. DARLEY
J. QUIMERA
H. S. MOORE
YOU fZANG '
E. SPAULDING
0. HANSEN
B. JURKOWSKI
C. EZELL •
A. VASQUEZ
S. GLYPTIS
D. GARDNER , . •
R. CHRlSTOPHEfU
X % %
MANHATTAN BEACH
A. LOMAS
V. CHESNER
W. PADGETT
H. SELBY
J. PADZIIC •
R. CABRERA
H, TUTTLE"
V. MILAZZO
M. BRUNO
P. VORKE
J. J. DRISCOLL .
J. H. ASHURST
J. SPAULDING
J. T. EDWARDS
1. LIGiiTFOOT
E. FERRER
R. A. BLAKE
E. LOPEZ
S. BURGSTROM
Bill Padgett, SIU delegate at Man
hattan Beach Hospital, caii he cotitact
• d from 3^4:30 PM every day on the
second deck,' West Side, Ward L.
ie ir V
SAN FRANCISCO
AH KAN HO (EDDIE HO).
GEORGE H. NOLES
WYLIE G. JARUIS.
THOMAS J. CONNELL
WILLIE WATSON
JAMES R. LEWIS
EDWARD L. PRITCHARD
JAMES HODO '
ir X ih
ELLIS ISLAND
G. C. GAGE
M. COLLINS
B. T. KNEW
2. t
NEW ORLEANS
• ADRIAN AARONS
E; J. ALBINSKI
C. A. BROWN
B. P. BURKE
JOHN L. CALDWELL
WILSON O. CARA
BYRON. J.CHAPMAN
ROGELIO CRUZ
LEROY DONALD
W. H. HARRIS
L. A. HOLMES
D.D.KELLY
HUGH F. LAGAN
LEO H. LANG
M. E. NEWMAN
• K. RAANA
J. A. ROZMUSZ
CHARLES R. SANDERSON
ROBERT W. THOMPSON
LONNIE R. TICKLE
ir is. %
BALTIMORE
WILLIAM' R. MCILVEEN
LARRY JONES
JAMES C. HEGLIGER
EDWARDO S. TORO
SAM P. DR.URY
JAMES E. THOMPSON
HEIMO.A. RUITTOLA
DAVID E. MILLER
WALTER R. WELCOME
WILLIAM J. WOLFE
NORBERT PRUSZKA
M.. D. WATT ^
FRED L PITTlJtAN
ROBERT V. DILLON
WALTER J. HACKETT
JOSEPH A. PILUTIS
ROBERT T. WILLOUGHBY
GAETANO MINISTERI
PA WELL MATAN
, % v ^
GALVESTON
L. E. SURRENCY
JOHN J. EZELL
Staten Island ttospital
. You can contact your Hos
pital delegate jit the Staten
Island Hospital at the foUow
Ing times:
Tuesday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.nu
(on 5th and 6th Rddrs*)
Thursday 1:30 td 3:30 p.ni.
(cn 3rd and 4th floors.)
Saturday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m,
(on Ist and 2nd iloori.)
THOMAS C. HICNEY
ELMO VANCE
L. E. COHEN ^ •
J. M. SHIPLEY V
BOSTON. (BRIGHTON)
R. LUFLIN , :• I ,
t
MOBILE
TIM BURKE ' : . ;
• S. P. PINER
T. B. LASH Jh
4. 4, , '.sf .
FORT STANTON. NJ4.
GIDLOW WOODS £f|
A. MCDONALD ' .
R. A. RADCLIFF J''
S. WALKER ' f
H. THURMAN
W. MEEHAN
t i i
PONCE. PUERTO RICO
R. V. SUAREZ
4. 4. 4.
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO .
R. C. LUNDQUIST
E. S. TORO
4. i 4.
SAVANNAH
LEO KODURAND
F. CASASCO • ;
W. J. MORRIS , f ^
W. W. JONES • •
J. B. FULGHAM tr?
• • ̂ ATTLE'^''*f5iiiS
JACK SERATT 1''
V
FtieUiy, Hevemlwr 10. IfSO T 3 E A P A R E R S L O G Page Thi^
ttvertgie Figures Cerreeted
In a recent story announcing the new freightship seale^
under the 6.38 percent increase, errors were made in announc
ing the standby rater and the overtime demarcation point. Here,
then, are the corrected figures:
On fr^htships, the present overtime rate is $1.22 for
ratings under $262.47, and $1.54 for ratings over that figure.
The studby rate is $1.64 for an 8hour day, with timeanda
haif for overtime and Saturdays and Sundays.
For tankers, the overtime rate is $1.22 for ratings imder
• $258. 24, and $1.54 for those above that figure.
New York Sati^iod With Shipping Tempo
One Who Escaped Exposes
Russian Brand Of Justice 'i lii
By A. LAS
The ioUowing item is reprinted from "The Challenge," the bulletin of the Association
of Former "Political Prisoners of Soviet Labor Camps. The next time anyone tries to tSD
you about the glorious life in.Russia or one of her.satellite "People's Democracies," show
By JOE ALGINA
NEW YORK—^During the past
iwo weeks we handled 32 pay
offs and 8 sigmons for what can
be considered for this port a
good week. We can't find room
to complain when the tempo' is
such as it was during this pe
riod., Of course, some of the
iships were in the coastwise trade
and took few men, but just the
same they were ships and every
how and then in need of re
placements.
On one of the ships that hit
here, we got a call from the
company that the Skipper had
radioed in that the crew was the
worst bunch of screwballs and
foulups he had ever had under
him and he was going to raise
a rumpus when the ship docked.
We were there' when she pull
ed in,. and instead of finding a
crew on the verge of mutiny we
found one of the best crews
we've runacross in a. long time.
The crew—sent by the Philadel
phia HaU—was on the ball and
a credit to our Union. The screw
ball turned out to be the Cap
tain.
Speaking of foulups, we have,
however, found a few Electri
cians^on some ships who don't
seem to know a good thing when
they see it. The Electricians have
one of the best deals in the
Union and should protect it.
There are only two aboard the
ships andwhen they both take
off it means trouble.
Only a few have been fouling
up, but these few can cause
hardships for all Electricians.
These men should buckle down
and protect their "jobs.
We have a report that the
Evangeline is due to go into
operations over the holidays. We
haven't anything definite on this,
but if the company tells us it's
a. .sure thing, we'll report the
fact in this column.
"VOLUNTARY WAY"
In the last weeks we've been
seeing a lot of advertisements
by the American Medical Asso
ciation telling us that federal
health insurance is no good and
the "voluntary way is the Am
erican way." In other words,
nothing is the American way for
the millions who cannot afford
the high cost of Blue Cross and
other such plans.
This country needs a health
plan of some kind and needs it
badly. The armed forces are re
jecting 58 percent of the draf
tees for medical reasons. Correc
tive medicine would no doubt
have cut this percentage way
down. It's a shame to see doc
tors fighting to keep adequate
medical care from the millions,
but they are not alone. All the
big drug manufacturing houses
and chemical outfits are putting
up millions too.
Seamen have the use of marine
hospitals when they take sick,
and no seaman can say he did
not receive the best of treatment
and the benefit of the latest,in
medical knowledge. To receive
the same in a private hospital
would be beyond the. pocketbook
of seamen. There should be an
equivalent system set up for
working people all over the
country.
*'him this story.
May. 1st, 1938. I am out in the
street, walking past groups of
citizens who are dressed in their
Sunday best and are about to
celebrate May 1, the great Labor
holiday. But I must keep my
hands behind my back, I must
look straight before me and must
not stop.
These are the orders. Two men
with pistols in their hands are
walking behind me. The people
we pass by look at me with
frightened eyes.
BREAD AND SOUP
I, spent the first month of my
imprisonment in a solitary* cell
of our regional provincial prison.
I slept on the floor, received a
pound of bread a day and a bowl
of thin soup. Nobody came to
see me or to interrogate me.
A month later I was transfer
red to Orel, to the'famous cen
tral prison.
In the days before the Revolu
tion this prison generally held
several hundred prisoners, and
now there were 27,000 of them.
We were 168 men in oiy: cell.
We were suffocating with the
heat and stuffiness, with the
stench of the toilet bowl.
Balloting Begins For A&C 1951 Officials
^ ta all SIU Branches on November 1 shows Seafarers in New York preparing to cast their ballots
in the A&G election to determine officials for 1951. Handling tlie machinery of voting is an elected committee of
members in each port. Now York's committee isr seated left ta right, P. J. McCann, Mike Delano, H. Smith. W. Wal
lace and John Lucas. Voting will continue straight through in all ports until December 31, to give all members the
opportunity to register their votes. Make sure you cast yours.
There was no place to lie
doymr I could only sit with my
legs under me. At night men
slept in distorted, doubled up
postures. One's feet lay on the
faces and shoulders of other mem
My interrogations began only
a month and a half later. The
charges against me was—delib
erate destruction of cattle by in
nocculating them with infectious
disease.
I was generally summoned at
night. I had to stand to atten
tion before my investigator till
dawn. He demanded a confes
sion with the names of my "ac
complices." I was innocent, had
no accomplices and refused to
confess.
After a few nights the inves.
tigator threatened to arrest my
wife. When this proved of no
avail. I was transferred from
prison to a basement cell of the
Orel NKVD (secret police: edi
tor).
"CONFESSION"
Here I was interrogated sev
eral times a day. Once I was led
to some special room. Here, in
addition to my interrogator,
there were several NKVD ag
ents. When I insisted on my in
nocence they began beating me.
I fell down, and they proceeded
to kick me—^"Confess, and we'll
stop."
I could not walk back to my
cell without help. Later came
various forms of tortme. Each
has a special technical name;
Here is what 1 had to endure:
"The candle"—this meant that
1 had to stand to attention im
mobile for several hours at a
stretch.
"The swallow" meant that 1
had to stand on one foot, stretch
ing out the other leg wa' '
hind, my body bent for ?
with my hands held upwaras.
"The humming top" — meant
that 1 was suspended with a
special belt, then whirled round
rapidly for several minutes, then
—let down; my eyes popped out;
1 was dizzy and could not stand
on my feet.
MOCK KILLING
I was also led out for a mock
execution. 1 was put up on thd
"high, seat," a tall narrow stool
about, six feet high, with nb ^
support for either, amtis aiui
legs. All this was accompanied
by repeated beatings with fists
or revolver butts.
i
When all these repeated tor
tures failed to wring a confes^
sion out of me, 1 was sent back
to prison. .
For eight months 1 was left
alone. Then I was told that m^
indictment was "requalified:"., I
was no more a cattle extermina
tor, but—a plain "wrecker."
After a year and half of imr
prisonment 1 was released. %.
came out an invalid without
teeth, with my eyesight per
manently impaired.
Before my release 1 had to sigit?
a pledge that I would tell no
one. of my experiences in the
NKVD, not "even my wife.
T^Toax THE SEAFARERS L&G Nev«t|ab«r io« 1859
E;;:v
ISi' 'Mar Log': Newest SlU Shipboard Paper
1
r" i'i.
||;
i!:;
The smell of printer's ink has been added to the salt
air floating across the decks of the SS Del Mar.
weeks of detailed planning, Seafarers aboard
the Delta Line passenger ship have joined the ranks of
SIU shipboard publishers with an attractive, entertaining
and informative sheet called the "Mar Log."
Sparking the crew's project is Editor George W.
(Bill) Champlin, the Del Mar's Bosim, who has shaped
one of the most distinctive publications of its kind.
The first edition, of 34 pages, is mimeographed on
buffcolored heavy stock and is sprinkled with spot car
toons to liven its columns. ^^
Brother Champlin heads up a
staff that obviously has put
plenty of effort into the "Mar
Log." Clifton Treuil is handling
the Business Manager's post, in
addition to serving as Associate
Editor. Because of the volume of
advertising, the staff was ex
panded, after the first issue, to
include a manager for that end
of the job. Curley Liles took
over the position.
REPORTERS
Big Bill Brown and Lonnie
Hargesheimer comprise the re
porterial staff, and Steve Sobczyk
and W. Long execute the art
work and layouts.
Holding down the sportswrit
ing post is Douglas (Smiley)
Claussen. Leslie Wilson's duties
as treasurer will be taken over
by Joe Vaccaro, when Wilson
gets off the ship at the end of
the current voyage.
^niky 'Baioys'
Real-Life Cpk
Well, Brothers, especially those
in the Deck Department, aboard
the good ship "Del Mar," I have
a reallife epic in mind, that I
would like to write down. You
may call it a word of advice, if
you wish. Ever since I boarded
this vessel last trip, I have high
ly admired the clean, starched
uniforms of our Quartermasters
and FireWatchmen. As I slaved
on deck, in filth and grime, you
could often hear my plea: "Oh,
for the soft, clean job of a
.Watchman!"
HAPPY CHOICE
Getting to the point, in Rio de
Janeiro we left behind a very
good shipmate, "GUie," the
Watchman. He had to be re
placed. Much to my joy, I was
selected. Not having before no
ticed the tired, weary look on
the faces of Brothers Champlin
and Reiersen, I undertook the
new job with vim and vigor.
Welli after having climbed once
and a half a? many stairs as
there are in the Washington
Monument, and I am about to
finish the last round if I'm lucky
enough to survive, I can no long
er understand why they pick
only men over fifty years old for
this job. How do they do it? Now
you can hear my revised plea:
Take nie back to the filth and
grime on deck."
Tomorrow morning you will
see me on the bow, scanning the
Santos doekside for a sight of
Ollie's smiling face, and hoping
that he has not deserted us to
go back to Oslo.
Yes, you may have your clean,
starched khaki uniforms, for you
have earned them. I will end this
tale with just foiu words: "Bo
sun, take me back."
"Smffey"
1
Enterprising business concerns
in ports visited by the Del Mar
apparently are convinced that
the shipboard publication is a
sound advertising medium.
The paper, however, has a
clear policy on advertisers, set
forth in a statement on the edi
torial page:
"The 'Mar Log' will not ac
cept advertising matter from any
person or firm conducting busi
ness in a manner deemed inimi
cal to the best interests of all
seamen. Any evidence of chic
anery on the part of an adver
tiser wiU be taken as groimds
for discontinuance of further
publicity, and the return of any
unexpended money. This prin
ciple is basic."
CG FEATURE
Among the first issue's fea
tures are a story on the Coast
Guard by Bill Brown, several
poems by Del Mar poets, a thea
tre review! by Vernon North and
a number of sports and personal
items of interest to the crew.
The three articles appearing
on' this page from the '"Mar
Log" are representative of the
excellent work of the first issue.
The "Mar Log" got off to a fly
ing start. "Watch Us Grow," the
cover of the first issue says.
Judging from the way Editor
Champlin and his host of assist
ants are turning to, the future
looks mighty promising for this
youngest of SIU shipboard pub
lications. Front cover of SEAFARERS LOG's new competitor.
The Del Mar Stewardess Goes Shopping
It's early morning, and biu
ship is docked. Just like all the
passengers, the crewmembers al
so like to get their feet on dry
land, after days at sea. A quick
breakfast, and I'm off to shop
for a few trinkets.
The most fascinating objects
that I have evef seen are the
curios made of the iridescent
blue wings of the Morpho but
terfly. As I see the beautiful
work being done in shops, I ask
many questions. I'note the quiet
and patient atmosphere aroimd
the table, where each .girl is sit
ting with 'many small boxes of
different' species of moth and
butterfly wings before her. She
uses no pattern; her face ex
presses her concentration on
what she is doing: in her mind
she has a design. She draws an
outline on a piece of thin paper,
applies a bit of glue here and
there, picks up a wing with a
pair of tweezers, and, directly,
you see a lovely design take
form. Each girl has something
different," so you see but few
duplications. Some girls are mak
ing trays; others, plates, .brace
lets, lockets, pictures, and table
tops. ' _
Then I asked the owner of the
shop (called a factory), "Where
and how, do you get so many
butterfly wings?"
He answers, "Butterflies in our
country, senhorita? There are so
many varieties, but none sur
passes the blue Morpho. The
story of thgm is a thing few
persons ask about."
"Butj please, I wish to know.
How do you get them?"
"There are boats ̂with native
crews, that know the jimgle.
Parties are made up." They go
far, many day's travel, into the
jungles of ouip. Brazil, which
have so many unsolved myster
ies. They have special nets, Af
ter they draw up to some inter
ior section, of, which, perhapS}
they have • learned from their
fathers before them, they seek
and fed thousands of these beaur
tiful buterflies. They are gone
many days on their mission, im
til,' finally, they have a quota.
Sometimes one or two of the
hunters is missing."
"Where are they?" I asked.
"Oh, perhaps they straye^ too
far into the jimgle, and some
wild animal or snake killed them;
or maybe'the fever got them."
"You mean that a life, or more,
was given for those butterflies?"
"Yes, senhorita, many times."
So, Mr. and Mrs. Tourist, and
Brother seaman, try to see not
only the beauty of the gift you
buy on your next shopping
round, but thiifk of what drama
sometimes lies behind your pur
l/i^y Besms Get Gray Hmr
We recently happened to overhear this rare gem. Bosun
Libby was telling a certain AB, who is no longer with us, to
continue with hisold job after coffee time. (I found out later
that the character in question had been chipping and fed
leading an open handrail.) "You go back topside, and do the
job you had. and don't leave a lot of holidays." •
"Oh, you' want me to go back and paint that fence."
It is to Brother Libby's credit that he didn't blow liis top
—^well, not very much. I can still get an occasional rise out
of him by inquiring whether his fences are all mended and
whitewashed. —Bv Bill
';, ..
chase; aod, when you and your
friend, admire your gifts' back
home, offer a silent prayer, for
one who, perhaps, gave so much
for your eyes to behold the most
beautiful butterfly you have ever
seen, with its everchanging hues.
Hail, Brazil, with your many
untapped resources, and your
brave people!
—^Rosalie Rodrigue
a> a, %
Anent the above article, there
is a phase of the buttGrfly wing
trade that is, in many respects,
even more horrible than the
writer has pointed out. The ex
convicts of Guienne (which we
call French Guiana), used to be
compelled to remain in that
country as many more years as
they had served as prisoners.
These libres were totally unpro
vided for by their government,
and were hard put to it to earn I
a. living. A disgracefully high )
percentage never survived to re
gain their freedom. Butterfly I
hunting was one Of their re
sources. Unarmed, almost with
out clothing,slacking quinine, the
toll of life was appailitogi
Will some one please write ̂ an j
article on this intriguing subject j
for a future number of "The
Mar Log?'^
Zmtos I
Friday; Itovwnber iO^ im
* I • ,^l LI ^ II I. I • I " IIL, J • I I fjl!
THE SEAF ARERIS LOG Page F|ve
Everybody is happy—at least they look it— in engine
room of the Simmons Victory. Sitting in the forefront is
Melanson, Engine Utility. In the rear row are Butch MacLeod.
Oiler; Steve Szylvian; the Jr. 3rd, and Whitey, FWT.
"I thought that you 3nd the
membership might be interested
in these' photographs of various
members of the crew on the
Simmons Victory, a Bull Line
honeyard job," wrote Stanley J.
Cieslals, in the letter that ac
companied these pictures.
' Well, we siue are, Stanley,
and this page is proof. We don't
, like to repeat ourselves—^we say
the same thing on page 12 of
this issue—^but we do want pic
, turee, and so does the great ma
jority of the membership. How
ever, make sure you include all
pertinent information with the
photographs: name of ship,, ports
of signon and destination, and
the full names and ratings of all
hands, spelled right (misspell
ing a man's name is one way of
losing a friend) and a brief ac
count 6f anything interesting
that may have happened.
The^ fellows seem to take picturetaking seriously. They
are: McCarthy, DM; Hunt, AB; Pete Karas, Carpenter, and
McKenna, OS.
Holding the saw is Tom
Fleming, AB. with Pete Kexas.
Chips, behind him. They look
proud of their job.
That welcome break that makes the day's work easier on everybody aboard—coffeetime is
bwg enjoyed by the men on the Simmons Victory. All three departments are represented in
this "break" in occupational dttfies. Inboard in the picture are Downey, AB; Andy, Chief Cook;
McKenna, OS, and "Speedy." Wiper. Outboard, facing, the camera, are Hickey, AB; Karas, Car
penter; Chermesino, DM, and Horrb, OS.
Pausing briefly while spool
ing on jumbo wire are (left)
D. Downey and J. Maffuci.
Able Seamen,
3^15.•
Bosun Stanley Cieslals titles this one 'Xooking into the crystal ball, to
f," The head belong to Speedy, Wiper,
where we're
Posing casually on the Number 4 hatch, while in Puget
.Sound, ere Tom Fleming. AB; E. Grose, BR; Butch MacLwd.
Oiler, and Hodge and Downey, ABs.
Editor's note to Brother Cieslals: Thanks for sending these
shots in and, at the risk .of making pigs of our^lves, do it
againand that goes for the rest of you Seafarers, too. Hown
ever, make sure thai you supply the information requested
in the introductory paragraphs cm this page. Then everybody
will be happy—we and the guys in the pictures.
...
'''
'\'^k
• ff
~ 'S'l
P|ig« Six THE 'SEAFARERS LOG Friday. Noramber 10,.19S0
SHIPS' MmiVTES AMD MEIffiS
i
Crew Letters Flood Senate Group
With Praise For CS Investigation
Since the report in the SEAFARERS LOG of the Senate inyestigation
of the Cities Service case, in which the sordid antiunion practices of the com
pany were exposed to the public eye, SIU crews have been filling the mails
with letters of thanks^
and praise to the Senate
Labor subcommittee.
The Senate committee, headed
by Senator James Murray, held
weeklong hearings la^t month
in the antiunion practices of the
Cities Service Oil Company's
marine Division. In the hearings
the SIU introduced reams of
testimony proving the company
discharged men for Union ac
tivity, hired labor spies and
sponsored a phony company un
ion to deny the company's sea
>5.
li
Galley Force
Wading Wins
Crew's Praise
Service above and beyond the
call of duty could describe the
actions of the SS DePauw Vic
tory's Stewards Department. Ac
cording to a letter from the crew,
the galley force was hard put
to serve the crew's meals with
out the use of water wings.
Seems the scuppers got clogged
and the water was ankle deisp
during the weeks following the
ship's departure from New Or
leans on September 17. Despite
the adverse conditions the Stew
ards Department came through
in great shape, and earned a
vote of thanks from the ship's
crew.
Crewmember L. Craddock de
scribes the Stewards Depart
ment's dilenuna in a letter re
ceived by the LOG this week:
"Brothers of the SIU, we take
great pleasure in complihienting
an excellent Stewards Depart
ment for a job well done.
"We sailed from" New Orleans
on September 17th and on the
'18th the scuppers in the galley
plugged up. The water was
ankledeep all over the galley.
"The 1st Assistant and Wipers
tried in vain to open the lines.
The deck gang tried, too, in vain.
But the valiant Stewards De
partment didn't let a little wa
ter stop them. The big 3rd Cook
from Hammond, La. said, 'Damn
the water, bring on the raising
jack.'
IN, NOT OUT
"Well, fellows, it lasted all
the way over to the Far East.
The seas were coming over and
holes drilled in the galley bulk
head let the wAer in instead of
letting it out.
"Needless to say, the boys
• practically had to swim in order
to get the meals out to the
crew.
"We wish again to express our
thanks to the men who didn't
beef or grouch and did a swell
job under the worst conditions
we have ever seen."
The DePauw Victory is being
operated by South Atlantic
Steamship Company under MSTS
charter.
representation men the Union
they wanted.
On the basis of the testimony
offered by the SIU the commit
tee is pushing a full scale in
vestigation of the hiring prac
tices • of the East Coast tanker
companies.
Following receipt of the over
seas LOG—^which is mailed to
every SIU ship on the seas —
crews held special meetings in
ports throughout 'the world to
draw up letters of appreciation
to the committee for its splen
did work in behalf of American
seamen.
Dozens of crews in ship's min
utes forwarded to SIU headquar
ters reported that they had sent
letters to the Senator and sev
eral enclosed copies of the let
ters.
Almost every one of the 16
Cities Service tanker crews re
ported its sentiments to the Sen
ator.
In the letter sent by one Cities
Service crew — that of the SS
Lone Jack—the 29 crewmembers
stated that the Committee's work
had opened a new era for sea
men. In part their letter stated:
"To us seamen, this decision
means considerably more than
the outcome of this singular
case. It means to us that the
maritime industry has entered
a new era—an era in which the
seamen and their conditions have
finally come into the eyes of the
public and responsible organiza
tions."
DROVE A WEDGE
The SS Kathryn crew. Bull
Line, in its letter called the Sen
ate Committee's work a '"praise
worthy expose of the fanatical
and illegal attempt of Cities Ser
vice to deny tankermen the
right to Union representation."
The Suzanne men, also Bull
Line, called the Senator's work
worthy of a "crown of laurel
leaves, which we would like to
personally place on your head."
The SS Fairport crew. Water
man, told the committee's leader
that his work has "driven a
wedge into the diehard tanker
employers and has opened the
door to a better way .of life
for all seamen on American
tanksliips."
An incidental point .lyorth men
tioning is that when Senator
Miurray' receives the letters com
ing to him from ports through
out the world he'll probably feel
a tug of the wanderlpst, for at
the close of the hearings in
Washington Senator Murray told
the assembled" representatives of
the SIU, "After sitting here and
listening to this testimony it re
minds me of my boyhood desire
to go to sea and see the world.
I would like to be a rnember
of the Seafarers International
Union and sail aboard a ship
especially at times when the
problems we must sit here and
deal with become so heavy."
SWEETWATER CREW'S SWEETHEART
While the MarTrade tanker Sweetwater was in Has
Tanura taking on another load of oil for Europe they were
visited in the messroom by :an unidentified youngsfer. Before
the boys loaded her pockets with lujnp sugar they posed for
this picture. Seafarers are, left to right: P. Vourdires, Steward;
3: Efitathiou, OS; W. Healy, AB, and J. Gallagher, AB.
As Editor Of Shipboard Paper
The crew of the SS Del Norte had no difficulty in choosing a man td
fill the editor's post when they created their ship's newspaper^ the Navigator
they had a natural in their nudsts. Navigator editor Thurston J. Lewis,
33yearold AB, has aspired to bc a writer and editor since his college days
at Okiahoitia University,^'
where he found writing'
right up his alley, but cut
short hisj literary notions
abruptly to enlist in the
Navy when the Japs
bombed Pearl Harbor.
Lewis put in a wartime stint
as signalman and twice was tor
pedoed.
Now as the editor of the Na
vigator he has the opportunity
for the first time to exercise his
ambition to see his stories in
print and to fiay away ivith the
blue pencil on the other guy's
material.
According to the notes sup-
plied the LOG by a fellow crew-
member of Lewis', he is not only
a capable editorial chief, but he
is also a first rate Union mem-
ber as well, whose likes and dis-
likes raiige iiom venison steaks
(a like) to shipboard foul-ups
(a dislike). . ,
GOOD BROTHER
The supplier of notes noted
that after Lewis joined the SIU
he quickly acquainted himself
with the Union's operations and
served capably as picket captain
in San Francisco during the 1946
General Strike. He has also serv
Belated Thanks
The belated thanks of the
SIU are due the mother of
a Seafarer who sent the New
York Hall a , carton of de
tective stories for the enjoy
ment of the members on the
recreation deck.
Mrs. Lisa M. Prijos sent
the books to the Union sev
eral weeks ago, and since,
then the members have given
good useto the books. Our
wholehearted—but somewhat
belated — thanks to Mrs.
Prijos for her interest in the
members of the SIU.
ed as departpiental or ship's
delegate on many vessels and is
always available for duty in any
union effort. The notetaker also
reported that Lewis is as yet.
unmarried, but is looking around
for the right girl.
His modesty is such, however,
that the notetaker couldn't, dig.
up a_ photograph for the LOG.
What his biographer forgot to
mention' was that the apprecia
tive crew of the SS Del Norte
recently presented Brother Lewis
with a wrist watch in recognition
of his excellent work as the Na
vigator editor.
WELL, WELL, WELL! WHATTA YOU KNOW?
Would TOO like to nnke enou^ money in ONE'YEAR to start a business^ get a nice v
new car, further your education or fulfill any other similar ambitiont CERTAIKLY '
you would! Those things take money, sure, so read carefully for IHIS amy be YOUR
OPPORTDlflTY for fulfilling your chosen plan. ' '
Eyery year MANY KEW MEN get JOBS on merchant ships because there is a hi^ rate
of employment tumpver In the Merchant Marine. The average sailing time of a Merr
chant Seaman Is 11 years, sane men stay with the ships most of their lives but the
majority sail only a few years and then there are those men who sail only a YEAR
or TWO, save their money, emd go ashore with a few TBODSAHD dollars to back them
up In some other enterprise. At any rate, whatever a man decides to do. It Is
certain that he will have some very enjoyable experiences, never to be forgotten/
Forgetting the monetary gain for the moment 'there are many other attractions
such as the traveling to far away places, the enchanting South Sea Islands, the
mysterious Par East, the sparkle and gaiety of life In France, the romntlo lat-
in American Countries, native dances in South Africa, pink cheeked fraulelns In ^
Germany, sight seeing in some of the worlds most famous resorts and many other
Interesting things are to be enjoyed while sailing In the Merchant Marine, one
of the worlds most FASCIRATINO occupations. ALL.THIS AMD YOU GET PAID FOR IT TOO
^PUIS jood wholesome food, modem quarters and free medical attention.
» Vi». V 1,1 ^,1 li^i. 1,1 • > I • . IM 1^1 11^ ^ ^
This is how one character is advertising his book on how to get a job in the merchants
marine. What he forgot to mention is that same
fraulins," etc.) of every other job—if you don't
family. We hope the suckers don't bite.
thing holds true
eat, drink, smoke.
(all except "pink cheeked
wear clothes, or support a
Frldey. NOTMSIMX 10. 19SQ THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Seven
Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings
AZALEA CITY. Oct.^ 12 —
Chairman. A1 Driver: Secretary.
George Leideman. Delegates re
quested a variety in menus.
Ship's Delegate to ask Captain
for a,draw every five days. Mo
tion" carried to have gravies for
dinner and sUpper. Larger var
ietyin night lunches requested
and bacon, ham or sausages be
served with breakfast.
i ^ "
DEL AIRES. Sept. 24—Chair
man. L. Hancock; Secretary, Ray
Casanova. Delegates reported oh
the number of books .and per
mits in their departments. Sug
gestion made that each depart
ment take a week in .turn for
cleaning PO messroom. Dele
gates to meet jointly to prepare
a repair list.
* X %
PAOLI. Oct. 8 — Chairman,
Raynfond Hunter; Secretuy, C.
Efstathion. Delegates reported no
beefs. Bill Louie elected Ship's
Delegate. Motion carried to send
corigratujlatory telegram to SIU
Headquarters for fine work done
in securing a contract.
its.
PAOLI, Oct. 21—Chairman, C.
Graham; ~ Secretary, A. Slavi
bauch.. Motion carried to take
pictures, of crew and send them
to the LOG accompanied with
a letter.
t ^ %
SEA MAGIC, Oct. 10—Chair
man. Bob Pideaux: Secretary,
Bill Doran. Motion carried to see
Skipper about cigarettes. Dis
cussion on welfare benefit cards
and other points relative to Wel
fare Plan. Delegates elected for
first run of ship under SIU con
tract.
©O YOU SET THE LOS AT MOVIE
*^IF /yOT, FjLL OUT A FORM AND *
MAIL IT TO THE LOS,
51 BEAN/ER ST,
NEW Yt?R<4,N.Y.
3^ ^ &
STEEL APPRENTICE, Oct. 22
—Chairman. Donald Rood; Sec
retary, Jack Dolan. Delegates re
ported no beefs, Motion carried
to have a letter drawn up to
send to Senator Murrav thank
ing him and the members of his
Senate Committee for their good
work in the Cities Service in
vestigation. Letter written and
Signed in behalf of crew by four
Delegates and mailed from Bom
bay.
X % %
SAND CAPTAIN, Oct. 22 —
Chairman, Ed. O'Rourke; Secre
tary, Peter Lint. Delegates re
ported all in order. Motion car
ried to have Ship's Delegate re
que^' that the LOG be mailed
to tlie ship as it" is mailed to
ships on foreign runs. Linen
k'^per announced new hours for
each watch to change its linen,
t »
GOVERNMENT CAMP, Oct.
25—Chairman, H. Meacham; Sec
retary, H. Goodfried. Ship's Del
egate reported that delay ip ob
taining draw will be eliminated
in" the future by having a draw
list made up in advance. Motion
carried to request Skipper to al
ternate time for fire and boat
xirill, so as to give each watch
a chance to sleep through. Chief
Cook given a vote, of thanks for
the fine job he has done.
t, % %
STEEL VENDOR, Oct. 1 —
Chairman, Handley; Secretary,
Blackie Connors. Delegates re
ported disputed overtime in all
departments. Beefs to be taken
up : with Patrolman at payoff.
Complaint, made that one of the" man.
out wearing a shirt. Decision
made that this practice come to
a screeching halt. Discussion on
poor bread aboard. Suggestion
made that both the Steward and
the. Second Cook make a batch
of bread. If they are both poor,
then the crew will request that
new fiour be put aboard.
t, % t.
ALCOA PENNANT (d^e not
given)—Chairman. H. Field; Sec
retary, J. Hicks. Delegates' re
ports, read and accepted. Ship's
Delegate instructed to write a
letter to Senator Murray thank
ing him for the work done in
the Cities Service case. Crew
voted to donate $1 apiece toward
the purchase of a new washing
machine.
X % X
MALDEN VICTORY. Sept. 13
—Chairman. Jhmes McRae; Sbc
retary. Red Brady. Delegates re
ported number of books and per
mits in their departments. Mo
tion carried to purchase a new
washing machine in the first US
port reached. Cleanliness of laun
dry room a topic of discussion.
XXX
BLACK EAGLE, Aug. 13 —
Chairman. Raymond" Queen; Sec
retary, Berton Meade. Delegate
reported everything okay, except
that Captain is giving Steward
a bad time. Steward reported
that Captain wants canteloupes
sliced in eight instead of six
parts, , and to have fresh milk
given out only at breakfast. Cap
tain has made petty remarks
about Steward's ability. Ship's
Delegate to turn matter over to
Patrolman when ship hits San
Francisco. Electrician requested
that all foc'sle fans be turned
off when the quarters are vacant.
XXX
ALCOA RANGEa Oct. 26 —
Chairmcm, Little; Secretary, R.
Bames. Delegates reported all in
order. Crew sent a telegram to
SIU headquarters, Ranking Ne
gotiating Committee for securing
a wage incifease. Motion carried
to give a vote of thanks to Stew
ards Department for a job well
done,
XXX
ROYAL OAK. Oct. 25—Chair
Earl Dixon; Secretary.
emphasized the importance of
putting in for all overtime ac
tually worked by turning in
sheets^ to department Delegate.
Ship's Delegate told to see Pa
trolman about Welfare Plan ben
eficiary blanks. Chairman gave
a short talk on the duties of a
Ship's Delegate. Request made
that Port Steward be seen about
having more fruit juices aboard.
XXX*
VENORE, Oct. 25—Chairman,
C. Lewelyn; Secretary], J. Easter
ling. Delegates reported every
thing in order. Statement made
concerning AB who was injured
when ship left safe anchorage
before it was secured. Motion
carried for crew to stand behind
the Steward in his campaign for
better food.
XXX,
CHRISTINE, Oct. 21 —Chair
man, Goldferb; Secretary, Farqu
har. Delegates reported every
thing in order. Discussion on
Captain's claim that the men
were, not working fast enough in
cleaning holds. Pointed out tliat
the crew was one man short and
being shorthanded takes two ex
tra days to do the job.
XXX
EDITH, Oct. 22—Chairman, G.
Smith; Secretary, L. Reno. Dele
gates reported on number of
books and permits in their de
partments. Ship's Delegate re
ported that milk had been left
on the dock an hour until after
dinner, so no penalty hour could
be claimed. Stewards Department
commended for/fine meals. Let
ter to be written to Senator Mur
ray thanking him for his com
mittee's fine work in the Cities
Service investigation.
MOSTANK? Octf 15 —Chair
man, Luke Collins: Secretary, Al
fred Yarborough. Discussion on
possibility of getting another
man in the Stewards Depart
ment of ship, inasmuch as Mess
men quit as soon as they find
the ship is short one man in
manning scale. Matter to be re
ferred to Negotiating Committee.
XXX
ELLY, Oct. 23—Chairman, Car
lan Heurga; Secretary, James Da
vis. Delegates' reports accepted.
Vote of confidence taken on
Steward. Steward given major
ity of crew's support.
111.
GOLDEN CITY, Oct. 8—Chair
man, J. Mitchell; Secretary, Otto
Hoepner. Ship's Delegate report
ed that entire ship's fund had
been exhausted in the purchase
of a washing machine. Motion
carried that at no time should
crewmembers of any depart
ment make any private deals
with the department heads for
overtime jobs.
^ XXX
SOUTHWIND, Aug. 27—Chair
man, R. Rife; Secretary, J. Mc
Donald. Delegates reported all in
order. Ship's Delegate gave a
talk on how to conduct a ship
board meeting and urged the
crewmembers to read the Union
literature aboard. Suggestion
made that the menus be im
proved.
XXX
KATHRYN, Oct. 22 — Chair
man. S. Neilson; Secretary. Pedro
Claudio. Delegates reported on
books and permits in their de
partments. Letter to Senator
Murrr.y read to crew and signed
by all members.
XXX
LOGAN'S FORT, Oct. 19.—
Chairman, Fred Smith; Secre
tary, William Morris. Delegates
reported no beefs. Delegates el
ected for all departments. Com
plain registered over Steward
washing bulkhead in saloon
mess. Sanitary man delegated^ to
get linen for entire department.
XXX
CLAIBORNE, Sept. 17=Chair.
man. P. McCann; Secretary, KL
Grimes. Ship's Delegate elected.
Radio operator asked to post
war news for crew's benefit, i
Ship's fund reported as standing
at $23.50.
XXX
CAPE MOHICAN, Oct. 26
Chairman, Joseph Blake; Secre
tary, Ed Starns. Departments re •
ported in good order. Crew ask
ed to cooperate in keeping laun
dry and recreation room clean.
Repair list made up for aU de
partments.
Notice To All SIU Members
The SEAS'ARERS LOG as the official publication of the Sea
farers International Union is available to all members who wish
to have it sent to their home free of charge for the enjoyment of
their families and themselves when ashore. If you desire to have
the LOG sent to you each week address cards are on hand at every
SIU branch for this purpose.
However, for those who are at sea or at a distance from a SIU
hall, the LOG reproduces below the form used to request the LOG,
which you can fill out, detach and send to: SEAFARERS LOG, 51
Beaver Str eet, New York 4, N. Y.
PLEASE PRINT INFORMATION
To the Editor:
I would like the SEAFARERS LOG mailed to the
address beldw:
XXX
STEEL FLYER, Ocl. l4 —
Chairman, John Jacobson; Sec
refary,' J. Goodall. Delegates re
ported all in order. Motion, car
ried that water be pumped over
the side and the tanks cleaned, as •
the water continued to have a
black oily substance in it. Mo
tion carried to write a letter of
thanks to Senator James Murray
thanking him for his commit^
tee's work in the Cities Serv
ice case. Discussion on the or
ganizing drive in Cities Service.
Each member agreed to send a
letter to Senator Murray.
XXX
DOROTHY, Oct. 15—Chmrman,
R. Cummings; Secretary^ Dea
con. Delegates reported books
and permits in their departments.
Motion carried for each member
to write Senator Murray and ex
press his appreciation for help
he has given American seamen.
Witnesses to tragedy aboard
ship urged to keep themselves
available for questioning.
• . XXX
SOUTHWIND, Oct. 8 —Chair
man, W. Porter; Secretary, J.
Craven. Delegates reported some
disputed overtime. Steward re
ported that vegetables were ques
tionable in Far East and thus
had not ordered any. Crew ask
ed for a variety of salads and
pastries.
iMesLsmen was serving food with. Frank Rol^rtson. Ship's Delegate
Name
Street Address
City Zone..;.... State 1
, Signed
Book No
XXX
STEEL ROVER (date not
given) — Chairman, Anderson:
Secretary, Phillips. Ship's Dele
gate urged the crew to exercise
caution in drinking ashore, both
for their own protection and
for the honor of the SIU. Co
operation between departments
.stressed. One minute of silence
observed for Brothers lost at
sea. ^
SUZANNE,^ Oct. 26—ChairmarC
Thornehill; Secretary, Vigo. Del
egates reported books in order.
Letter of appreciation written
"and signed by entire crew to
Senator Murray for the tine
work his committee did in the
Cities Service investigation.
XXX
MONROE, Oct. 15—Chairman.
P. San Miguel; Secretary, J.
Flynn. Delegates reported all
running smoothly. Repair list
made up and approved. Crew
members who use washing ma
chine to pay $1 to repairkitty.
Letter to be sent , to Senator
Murray^ thanking his committee
for the Cities Service investiga
tion.
Page Eight t H E S id F AR ER S VOG 1»0
• Mh.
tei?^:;::.
PP' bvi"
S3W
Dayman's OT Problem
Busts Deck Harmony
iw •
lii
To the Edilor:
• I wish to discuss a subject
• that I have found to be a bone
• of contention ever since the war
• ended. At least I have found it
• to come up on about every other
' ship I've signed on.
. It isi this:
In equalizing the overtime
among the members of a ship's
• deck department, is Sunday and
' Holiday overtime to be consid
ered in each man's total number
of hours?
, By way of an illustration, I
.cite this example: ^
Under most of our various
agreements as applied to freight
ers it is stated that the sailors
shall stand the gangway watches
in port. Yet when it comes to
• alloting each*man's turn the
• watch standers usually want to
Log-A'Rhythms
Devil's Kin
By JACK DEVERS
fi'
F,?
i;.: f-
I sailed the windjammer Devil's
Kin,
• A ship named correctly, Maieys,
And headed for the country of
Persia,
More conunonly known as Hades.
... I bunked in a smelly old foc'sle
'PWith a rank and motley crew,
'^And when I counted their num
ber
P''
I'nu,"''.
I found close tadhirtytwo.
>1 sat at a rickety old table
: To eat what the cook called
chow.
The slop that crawled maggots
We ate, though I know not how.
We worked all day and half the
ni^it
Under a Mate who was truly a
cur.
He'd rant and rave and holler
' .If he saw you fail to stir.
"the Bosun was a mad slave
" ^ driver,
^ Who the crew did finally shove
^^iis aiicicnt hatefilled carcass
.hoard:^^ ^aiks to
vp: • . loye, ; V
^ ^he.vsMp was at sea for three
• ' • ;'year»
Who knows, it might have been
four,
1 never kept track of the time,
1 was always too tired and sore
exclude the deck maintenance
men from this overtime work.
The watch stander's usual ar
gument is that inasmuch as they
.stand the watches at sea they
should stand the gangway
watches in port. Although the
agreement states "sailors shall
stand ..."
WHAT AM I?
Isn't a deck maintenance man
a sailor? As applied to tankers
find the same beef. But with this
exception: As sea watches are
seldom broken on a tanker there
are no oneman gangway watches
to be stood. Watch relieves
watch.
The deck gang watch standers
on this wagon want to exclude
the figuring of their Sunday and
Holiday overtime from the to
tals of each man, saying that
they have to stand Sunday
watches but the daymen only
work 5% days a week and ge
paid $18 a month more than ABs
to compensate them for not hav
ing the opportunity to work
much overtime.
As I said before. This beef
prevails. It is causing a serious
split among the sailors. ABs ver
sus • daymen. It makes "h day
man feel he is an outsider and
that the other members of the
deck department are against him.
The main trouble is that we have
no precedent to go by. There is
much confusion and misunder
standing on both sides.
How about our Negotiating
Committee rendering an opinion
on this? Or our officials stating
their views. When agreements
were drawn up, was a deck
maintenance give more base pay
over an AB to compensate him
for overtime loss or was it be
cause he has to work harder in
a straight eight hour day?
So, the questions are these:
Are Sundays to be figured in
computing each man's overtime
total and why are deck main
tenances paid ihore than AB's?
R
Well, those days are finally over
And it's thankful to God I be
That the Union iinally brought
rest
To the men who go down to sea
So take heed all you Seafarers,
Put this tip down deep in your
pipe:
Before you start fussin and
bitchin
JMake sure you've got a good
' gripe.
For if your beef is a phony.
Or at payoff yon're fiUl of gim
You may wak® ''!? morning
A sailing the out Devil's Kin.
Paul Arthofer
Fort Bridger
(Ed. Note: The extra pay for
the deck maintenance is eom
pensatiom for his not luiving
the opportunity to share in
the AB's overtime. On the
other point the contract states
that overtime shall be divid
ed as equally as possible
among the members of the
deck department. This means
watchstanders and day work
ers with the exception of the
Carpenter. Thus daymen
.should take their turn at gang
way watches along with the
AB's.)
SFA^ABFJl TJLKES A BRIDE
On haiid for the reception at the bride's home were several
of the Del Sud's crewmembers to lend cheer to the occasion.
Here with the happy bridegroom are Mike Du;ane, Second
Baker (left) and Dick Ramsperger, Chief Baker. Photos were
submitted to the LOG by Malcolm Woods.
AHENTION!
If you don't find linen
when you go aboard your
ship^ notify the Hall at once.
A telegram from LeHarve or
Singapore won't do you any
good. It's your bed and you
have ta lie in it.
Crew Cancels
Meal Tickets
On Gulf Run
To the Editor:
Let's make this an open let
ter to aU beachcombers down
this way on the touchy matter
of "Brothers" biunming a meal
or two on these ships running
from Tampa on around the Gulf,
The crew of the SS DeSoto de
cided at our. last shipboard meet
ing to drop a line to the LOG
explaining tbe reason why the
Steward will have to refuse any
and all in search of a bite to eat.
Let's put it this way. We as
Union Brothers don't want to re
fuse anyone, and the chances are
good that the beachcombers
mow someone aboard and CEUI
always pick up a buck or two.
But as it happened recently,
the Skipper happened into the
messroom and noticed about five
or six guys eating. He didn't rec
ognize any of them as men he
had signed 6n the ship. Brothers,
that was it! The Steward got
orders: 'Tio more, or else."
A FAST FEED
So, Brothers, take no" offense
at being turned down, and if
things are real bad the gangway
watch can always slip you a fast
sandwich. I could go into more
detail and tell you stories about
a phony or two slipping aboard
with a meal in mind and slip
ping ashore Avith somebody's suit,
tie and watch, but you guys
know all about that.
To change the subject, I'm rid
ing the DeSoto now, having quit
the Frances to give someone else
a chance to take over the snap
Bosun's job. I heard that my^
buddy Steve Carr is shuttling on
the Puerto Rico. These "Waterman
ships are too tough for him. I
guess I'll stay on this sunshine
run until" Christmas—after that,
who knows.
M. Olson
Skip's Delegate „
i V ' '
* Del Sud crewmember Ed
mundo Sepulvede and his
bride^ Ihe former Terezinha
Bruno of Sao Paulo, BrazIL
Sepulveda is porterprinter
aboard the Mississippi passen
ger ship. The wedding took
place September . 18.
Gotta Ng^me'For
}S?.
E^ith Seafarers
Thank Crew For
Donated Washer
To the Editor:
We the ,crew of the SS Edith
wish to thank the crew of the
SS MOredith "Victory and the
Baltimore Branch for the wash
ing machine they turned over
to us for our use. Thanks,
Brothers.
H. W, Witt
Ship's' Delegate
Enter Contest
"To the Editor:
For the past five years I'have
noticed on several occasions thn
following characters aboard oqr
ships. I'd like to open a contest
for the most suitable names fctf
these individuals. First prize for
each name: a bottle of ice cold
suds of the yinner^s choice.
No. 1: He comes aboard a
walking encyclopedia of ^e sea
and unionism. He usually tells
of his experiences ,on other ships
as delegate. Right away he is
elected delegate. As soon as hie
has this accomplished, he be
comes the star parformer.
He always has business with
the Mate when heavy work is to
be done.
He is always aboard, ship five
minutes instead of an hour be
fore sailing time.
He is always blowing his top
.about everyone else but never
admits his erroijs. And he is usui
ally so gassed up at the 4)ayoff
.your beef and mine go unattend
ed. What's his name?
ANOTHER ONE
.'No. 2: At sea he is always on
the baU, but on the slowbell. In
port, especially on sailing day,
le is so gassed up the Bosun
fas to run him off the deck for
everyone's safety (just what he
wanted),
At coffee time you can't hear
anyone else because he is shoot
ing the breeze. *
Four or five days out of port,
and the payoff coming up soon,
he has a big smile for the Mate
atid Old Man and works like a
demon.
As soon as he is signed pn
again, he goes back into his old
routine. "What's his name? , '
These characters are getting
more plentiful^ Suitable name?
for them might help .decfeasfe
them and help make our Union
better than the best, which it
already is^ . M
The prize is on the line. Let's |
hear from someone.
/.s G. C. Coraeti
Send 'Em In
Don't hold your pictures
and stories of shipboard acti
vities. Mail them to the Sea
farers Log, 51 Beaver St.,
New York 4, N. Y. If you
haven't the time or don't feel
in the mood, just forward de
tails. We'll do the rest. Pic
tures will he returned if yoii
wish.
GLARK, RETIRING
AS NY OFFICIAL,
EXTiEJNDS THANES
To the Editor:
I would like to use the colr
umns of the LOG for a brief
message to thp membership of
the .Atlantic and Gulf District
of the SIU.
As you. all know by now, I did
not throw in .again this year
for New York Engine Patrolr
man, to Which post I was elecfc
ed in the last election—and I
want to take this opportunity tp
thank the members for their past
support and for their excellent
cooperation throughout the past
year. I would also like to extend
niy appreciation to the' Head
quarters and New Yprk Branck
officials for what was one of the
most pleasant years of my life.
Tom Clark, 25027
^wiP
Friday, Nprexnbar 10, 1950 THE SEAP ARERS LOG Page Nine
VNCIE SAW'S GOT TBBM NOW
Seafarers Charles Bulecca, AB, left and Joseph Fidalgo,
Messman, accept retirement cards from Headquartars Record
Clerk Louis Coffin before reporting for service in the Army.
The two Seafarers are hometown pale from Perth Amboy, New
Jersey, and have sailed together'regularly.
Strathcape Crew Reports
Smooth Is Word For Voyage
To the Editor:
It's a pleasure to write a let
ter of the trip of the SS Strath
cape and of the "tooperation and
events we enjoyed.
When we arrived in Baltimore
last trip, among the new men
signing on were Brothers Pete
Solberg, Stone and Larry Tyron.
Then we sailed for Galveston to
load sulphur for Immingham,
Ehgland, for which we set out
on July 13.
Our Captain, A. Loucas, is a
good one. In^ fact, he has the
crew's welfare at heart in what
ever he does, and frequently
cautions crewmembers at work to
^ercise great qare for their
physical safety, particularly" in
the Deck Gang.
Qn the matter of draws. Cap
tain Foucas is more than fair.
And he will open the slopchest
at sea at anytime if a crewmem
ber needs anything.
The Mates, too, are tops for
standing watches with.
The Engine Department seems
okay. And pie Stewards Depart
ment is okay as we have a very
good Steward aboard this trip.
We spent 12 days in England
and I have never seen Romeos
vie for each other's girl friends
as I did'this trip. I also want to
mention that one of the crew
was married while in England.
From England we went to
Narvik, Norway, the land of the
midnight sun. We were only
there two days, leaving for Bal
timer on August 16 and arriving
there on September 2.
All around our trip was ex
ceptionally good. The weather
was perfect. Until we meet again,
smooth sailing to you Brothers,
Charles B. Martin
Saunders Okays
Gordon's Bar
In New Orleans
Little Frenchie
Ninemonth Joy LeJblanc
bies an experimental step and
it seems to please her. She's
the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Benjamin LeBlanc, of Balti
more. Her pappy!i known to
his shipmates as Frenchie, is
presently aboard the SS Tihi.
To the Editor:
I have established my beach
head in the Crescent City and
Operation: Gordon's Bar is now
in full swing. After spending a
happy ̂ ten months on the Alcoa
Pilgrim, where I met many SIU
Brothers on the Island run,
think I rate a bit of shoreside
relaxation.
Things are quiet here. Ship
ping is practically at a standstill.
Some of my fellow beachcombers
are getting longer faces daily,
such ds Norman Hall, "Alfred
Cravon, Saleco and Neville Wil
liams.
Jimmy Battles passed through
here recently after getting off
the Del Sol. He had to make an
emergency flight to New York
as his house burned down. Hope
he made out alright.
BAR MAN NOW
Remember Gordon, the slave
driver on the George Washing
ton? He's running a swell joint
here in New Orleans at 207
South Rampart Street. Drop in
some time and swap yarns with
an old SIU Brother.
I saw Coffee Joe in Barbados
in the New York Club. In case
you don't know it you can pick
up LOGS there.
Sonny Rankin, I hear, is
aboard the Del Viento and Leon
Franklin is chief bellyrobber on
the Alcoa Roamer. George Bury
is still running things on the
Alcoa Partner. '
Right now • I'rri running the
bartender ragged, so I'll sign
off.
Dennis Saundesr;:
Oldtimer Describes Adventurous
Trading Voyage To Czarist Russia
To Ibo Editor:
An item in the New York
Times, recalling the adventurous
English merchants and their
trade relations with "frozen
Muscovites" by way of the Arc
tic, reminds me of the venture
e voyage I made from Eng
md to Arctic Siberia in the
year of 1911.
We had a narrow escape from
shipwreck in a storm off Cape
North. We almost struck the
rocks in Kara Straits of Novaya
Zemlya. We ran aground, in fog
when we hit an imcharted is
land in Kara Sea. We lay for
a fortnight, caught in pack ice,
.while the blizzard howled like
a pack of hxmgry wolvesl We
crashed against icebargs in the
Yenisei Gulf. We drove over,
scraping the rocky bottom of the
shallow Gulf off Dickson Island;
we anchored there, drank rum,
sang chanties; then went ashore
on Dickson Island to explore
but, flnding a warehouse with
a sign: "Ruskaya Poliamaya Ex
peditsiya," we broke into it,
looking for vodka.
I was a young sailor then, on
a steam barkentine, and the only
one who knew Russian aboard
ship at the time. It made me the
nterpreter; and the Skipper had
to depend upon me when doing
business with the Russians who
traded along the banks and at
the mouth of the Yenisei River.
We started out and sailed from
Liverpool with a cargo of salt,
rice, tea, whiskey, rifles, and
other contraband—bound for Du
dinka on the Yenisei.
'WHALING' TRIP
A misty wind was blowing in
the face when we left at dark,
going, supposedly, on a whaling
expedition and carrying, pur
posely as a blind, a moving pic
iure man and his son to take
the shots. But it dame on thick
and, with the raucous steam
whistle going day and night, we
had to stop at Stornaway, Heb
rides, for a rest, a bit of sleep
. . just to close the eyes.
It was a relief, for the vessel,
an exwhaler of 226 tons, rolled
ke a tub in a .rough. Anchored
in the bay, near a romantic
castle, here the Captain would
stay a day or two, a week per
haps—so we thought. But not
le.
Too much of h business man,
the Captain did not waste any
time' and, as soon as the sea
went down, sailed strangely for
s It A Yacht?
No, It's The
SS Golden City
To the Editor:
To substantiate the claim that
an SIU ship is a clean ship al
ow me to report the following:
When our ship visited Rotter
dam on our last trip, Mr. D.
Callichio, a mate on the SS
American Consular paid us a
• visit. After an inspection of our
ship — the SS Golden City — he
asked us if this was a yacht or
cargo ship. Everything was so
clean and good looking it was
unbelievable to him that we were
first and foremost a freight car
er.
Due credit can go to the Bo
sun, Edmund Abualy, of Phila
delphia, ,
Dutch Palmar
Ship's Delegals
Christiania, Norway, to pick up
a whaling Captain whom he did
not need and did not pick up
for that very reason, though
many applied for the job.
After an uneasy rest in the
fiord, he sailed North, hugging
the Norwegian Coast as the ship
rolled, restless, from side to side,
as'though in pain, setting out for
Siberia, full of business. It was
midnight and the sun, round and
red, seemed to be giving us a
curious stare as we. left the cod
fish smelling harbor behind ixs
and went to sea, facing the un
known.
Favored by the weather we
found the Kara Straits clear of
ice and, passing through them,
left the crags of Novaya Zemlya
in a gloom. It began to blow,
easterly winds prevailed, mist
came, ice followed, fields and
fields of ice. For a whole month
we fought our way forward
through mist, fog, and ice.
WHISKEY SOUR
At last we arrived, anchored
at Sopochnaya Korga, and be
gan to trade, selling whiskey to
the Russians at seven czarist
roubles a quart. The Captain
was delighted. He took the Rus
sians . for fools: sold them
watches that did not keep time;
told them lies; made false prom
ises.
It did not last long. The Rus
sians became wise and came
back with vengeance as the Cap
tain found out, later, to his sor
row. Emboldened by the success
of the venture, after some of
the contraband had been sold at
a handsome profit, he loaded the
rest of the cargo on lighters and.
took it up the river to Krasnoy
arsk.
It was a long travel by water
but he had an old friend there;
the British Consul, for whom he
was bringing an automobile. But
then it happened as the Rus
sians had anticipated it would
happen, as even the mouzhiks
and the Yenisei boatmen knew
it beforehand.
The Captain v/as arrested, put
in jail at Krasnoyarsk, and spent
a fortnight in company with
passportless "brodiagas" or vaga
bonds. It was a costly company.
He paid a fine of 40,000 roubles.
Meantime we on the ship at
Sopochnaya Korga had to heave
up anchor in hurry, had to fire
up, raise steam by forced draft;
and run out to sea as fast as
the old engines would stand.
It was a narrow escape. There
was the patrol of Russian sold
iers coming down to search and,
seize the ship. Four political pri
soners had escaped and we had
them aboard, stowed away. We
just took the chance and it all
ended well for the four? Russians
when they arrived with us at
London, where we all paid oft
and scattered to four winds.
I never saw them again but
heard that one of them, a robust
feUow, came later to New York
and went into business.
R. J. Peterson
1
'Mil
If
Texan Invites SIU To 'RoundUp'
To the Editor:
I am an old Seafarer who has
carried the oar inland to a place
where they asked me what it
is. That's where I've settled
down. I am xiOw. xUmiing the
"HiPlains Roundup," a weekly
hillbilly show from the city au
ditorium.
I sure wish that I could still
sail the old rust buckets under
the SIU, but the wife and kid
dies say no.
Having sent quite a few pic
tures and stories to the LOG
during the four years I was in
the Union, I really miss the
newspaper now. Can I subscribe
to it, and if so will you let me
know what the rates are? Also
inform all Seafarers who might
be in the vicinity of Plainview,
Texas, either on visit or per
manently that a paid up book
or permit will get them a free
pass to the "HiPlains Roundup."
This hospitality is, of course, ex
tended to all members of the
LOG staff and all SIU official%
too.
I have some excellept pictures
of the show that the LOG can
have on request, if you think
they will be of interest to LOG
readers.
Charles Cummins
( Ed. Note: You should be
gin receiving the LOG short
ly. which is sent freoTof charge
to all active and former mem
bers. By all means, Brolh^
send in those pictures.)
SS steel Seafarer crewmember H. Clemens. AB. poses with
a model boat ho fashion 3d during the ship's extensive voyage
to Far Eastern ports recently. Photo was by the ship's delegate.
X>ia» Tea T BE SE AF ABERS LO G Fridey, November 10, 19^
V
»»
E
Asian Workers Get US Help And Guiilance
Many key labor and govern
ment officials are dusting off
their world maps to search out
a faraway land — an area that
one day soon may be as familiar
to the man in the street in the
US as Korea now is.
At Washington headquarters
of the AFL — the CIO, at the
State Department, the Economic
Cooperation Administration —
iacute minds are grappling with
an oldnew problem. Although
most Americans know virtually
nothing about it, how it is hand
led may well determine how
they will live tomorrow and to
morrow—and if they will live
It h^s caused the midnight
oil to burn in capitals all over
the world—^in London, Paris, the
Hague, and probably Moscow
and has sent scores of Americans
ion long ocean voyages.
The problem concerns an area
vaguely associated in the public
mind with a magical. South Sea
Islandtype paradise—^but identi
£ed in geography books as South
east Asia, home to almost as
maiiy people as the 148 million
housed in the US, producer of
rubber, tin, oil, quinine, kapok
and copra, mountainous and
junglecovered, poor in develop
ment but rich in resources—stra
tegically placed at the crossroads
between India and China.
The US recently laimched a
program to assist the Southeast
Asian countries, its purposes
akin to those in Europe at the
start of the Marshall Plan, name
ly; to strengthen the countries
economically, thus strengthen
ing them politically and making
them less vulnerable to Soviet
pressures.
AID IN USE
, Already small outposts of Am
ericans — from Kansas, Oregon,
Texas and other States — have
istarted the job rolling. Rolling
as well are $91,000 worth of as
phalt, on route to Cambodia, in
IndoChina; $35,000 worth of
UDT foi< Indonesia and other US
products.
US Public Health Service ex
perts already have arrived in
I" Saigon, and have launched a
program to fight malaria and
other dread diseases.
The ECA, which succeeded in
shooting life into a withering
• ^Western Europe, is carrying out
'€he government's program.^, for
Southeast Asia—a program which
continues US policy laid down
ydth the Open Door Treaty of
f UOOi The coqntries on the ECA's
• ;? current Southeast Asia agenda
J E IndoChina, Thailand, Burma
• bold Indonesia. The first three
5 Be on the peninsula that forms
! the Southeast tip of continental
Asia; the fourth consists of an
adjacent chain of islands.
Free labor is as conscious of
the need for outside, democratic
^ assistance to these areas as is the
US State Department.
Acting swiftly in recognition
of this obvious need, the Inter
ziational Confederation of Free
Trade Unions—with which the
AFL is affiliated—last summer
dispatched a spedal mission to
the Far East to "strengthen ma
terially the forces of freedom
and progress."
American labor not only lent
.^s full support to the venture of
the ICFTU, the young organim
tion of free trade unions through
out the world; but supplied able
rqen to participate. .
Gordon W. Chapman, secre
tarytreasurer, Federation o;
State, County and Mimicipal Em
ployes, represented the AFL.
John Brophy, national director
of industrial union councils, went
for the CIO.
They found a standard of liv
ing lower than that of our poor
est P9pr, and labor organizations
so yoiing and haphazardly crgan
izied that they could not cope
alone with the gigantic job 40
be done.
They noted a lack of enlight
ened management and gbvem
ment practices with regard to la
bor, which left industrial work
ers without the legal protections
which workers in the Western
world take for granted.
They discovered that labor
bosses are widely used and that
frequently workers who complain,
to the government and seek ̂ 9
improve their conditions by
joining a union are blacklisted,
intimidated — or possibly, eyep.
beaten up.
And, unhappily, they ..Igarned
that most trade unions suffer
from inexperienced leadership
and an uninformed membership<i|
making it difficult for them, to
win gains for the workers.
Chapman, on his return, re.
ported:
"We were pleasantly surprised
with the wonderful reception
which we received and the gen
uine desire on the part of the
workers to learn how to de
velop and build free trade un
ions. In some instances we were
met with communist propaganda
naming us as agents of WaU
Street and urging us to stay
away.
"We ignored this propaganda
and told the story of free trade
unionism as we know it is in
MO
• /
90*
our own country. In each coun
try that we visited we found
communist influence waning the
longer we remained there . . .
Chapman emphasized that in
the countries' he visited the
workers are "searching for free
dom." While many have obtain
ed political freedom, he explain
ed, economic freedom has "not
yet been realized."
John Brophy, who represented
the CIO on the same mission,
reported in an interview later
that an immediate start must be
made to boost the living .stand
ards of the people, if we are
to have them as friends in the
battle of survival of democracy.
"It is not enough merely; to
urge private enterprise and its
benefits," he declared. "Many
enlightened people we met be
lieve in a mixed economy—some
private enterprise and some gov
ernmental. Business interests in
Asia owned or financed or man
aged by Western businessmen
also must show greater intere^
in the free operations of labor
unions.
And then:
"We have a tremendous oppor
tunity for democratic progress
and modem Unionism in Asia.
I hope we don't, muff it."
Do not get the idea that you have been forsaken, if you not even know each other. . . Big John O'Rourke aroun^
have written, in^or the questiohs'aud answers for Electric town soaking up the atmosphere, at so much a shot—just
ians and have not received ihem"'jl'et. Due to the great paid off the Doncaster.
demand, they h^to be reprinted .and, therefore, the delay.
. . ._John Grifhes is ship's delegate aboard the Feltore. . .
Our G2 informs us that Joe Martin is department delegate
on the South wind. How are Yokohama's sights these nights,
Joe?.. . . Bob Stevens had to go south of the border into
Mexico to find himself a wife. . . His old shipmates will
be sorry to hear that Paul Sanford, formerly of the SS
Puerto Rico, has been laid up at his home for sevieral
months with an affliction that has paralyzed his body from
The men listed below are holding up the final account
ing and distribution of the monies due former Cities Service
seamen, fired for Union activity. They are urged to get in
touch immediately with Mr, William O'Loughlin, National
L^or Relations Board. 2 Park Avenue. New York City, so
thai this matter may be concluded, v
Howard Hammong ^...:.ykice Chamblain
Gabrge Murphy "aGbbiga W. Ebezdino
Jai^ F. Welch Gifi^l Amett
Jbi^ Abrew. Frefii Wings —
Rbhert Byrd Paul Coone
Charles Gamer .^ames Monroe
Norman Early ®
the waist down. He'd be glad to hear .fr<nn his friends, or
better still would like to have thprp rail QQ hjm. His ad
dress is 3352 Fulton Avenue,Brooklyn.
The crew of the Mississippi passenger wagon, Del Mar
has come out with a brand spankingnew ship's paper,
named the "MarLog." First edition consisted of 32 pages. MOBILE — Shipping for the
Congratulations to EditorinChief Bill Champlin (remem coming two weeks will be very
befr Ills "Why Bosuns Get Gray" articles?) and associate slow with the following ships
Editor Clifton Trueil for a fine job. This paper is so big it due to hit this port: The Mom
even has a sports editor, businesn ̂nanager, reporters, etc. ing Light, Iberville, Wild Ranger,
The Editorof the LOG is getting jealous. . . The secretary Fairhope, Monarch of the Sea,
of the ship's meeting held on the Steel Rover makes a note Cavalier and the Alcoa Pioneer.
that never was the minute of silepce observed so solemnly. foreign^Lrthe othcTare
Seven hours before, the ship wgs being shelled off Hong coastwise and Puerto Rican ships.
Frank Paskufic (I can also, pronounce the name) wait
ing for a short trip, preferably on that Eastern vessel wheh
she comes out for the winter. Now Eastern will probably
call off the whole deal, just to make me a liar, . . Jam^
Welch, former Oiler on the Chrysanthy Star; your g^ear is
now in the baggage room at 51 Beaver Street. Come ahd
get it, before that paper suitcase falls apart.
Cities Service improving all the time. If the oldtimers
will lend a hand, these ships will be in first class shape
before long. The job is not over yet, so pitch in and help.
Take those Cities Service jobs, and do a job. 1 . The NMU
getting alarmed over our success in Cities Service, Their
national officers tell their membership, "We cannot stand
idly by'and permit the SIU to organize in these fields
(tankers) without any steps being taken by the NMU."
Frenchy Michelet just gave me a tip on how to be a
good Steward in one easy lesson—do eveiything the op
posite of,what a chap named Shuler would do. Gad, what
humor! . . . Be sure to take advantage of your full* book
and vote for whomever you'd like to have represent you
next yesur. The proper place to express your opinion of the
candidates is on that ballot^now and not six months later
in some gin milL
Miibile Expecting Slow Weeks ;
J was
ILf Kong. Shades of World War Waterman Steamship Company
Shipping'bn the West CoaSf^lacking off—so stay home, informed me that the only two
fellows. . . The Jim Benson referred to in last week's LOG ships on the foreign run that
wants it known that the real name is Bencic. Okay, but I hit the Gulf area will be the
stiU say Benson sounds better. . . The Dispatcher had quite ^
a comcidence. Two men named Greenhaw registered one the bauxite run around No
right after the other in Group I on the deck list. They do vember 27, 1950.
By CAL TANNER
As you all know, voting for
the 1951 A&G offcials is now m
effect—so when ever you hit port
to register or to get your mail,
don't forget to vote before you
leave the Hall as voting will be
going on during the hours that
the HaU is open.
Some of the oldtimers on the
beach are: D. Horn, C. Aubert,
R. C. Stepp, F. E. Hobin, F. Drp
zak, and C. P. Aycock. '
S. P. Piner, T. B. Lash ahd
Tim Burke .are in the Mobile
Marine Hospital. If you can make
it, drop in to say "hello." If not, ,
write them a line, and let them
know their friends haven't for
gotten them. M/: ^
I'stday, Ndvember 10, 19$d rUE S E A E AR E R S LOG Page fiteVeii
Minutes Of A&G Branch Meetings In Brief
BALTIMORE—Chairman, WU
liaita Rente, 26445; Recording
Secretary, O.A; Masterson, 20287:
Reading Clerk, A. F. Stansburr,
4SS3.
Following men took the Union
meros, Walter S. Smith, Harvey
Higgins and William E. Kennedy,
Trial Committee's report anc
recommendations read and ap
proved. Motion carried to con
cur in Credential Committee's re^
pdrt on candidates. Secretary
Treasurer's financial report and
Headquarters report to the mem
bership read and concurred in,
Minutes of previous Branch
meetings read and approved.
Commimications read and ex
cuses referred to the Dispatcher.
Motion carried to accept Hospi
tal Cottunittee's report. Dr. Wil
son of the Baltimore Marine
Hospital staff addressed the
meeting. Meeting adjourned at
8:20 PM with 240 members pres
ent.
» S »
BAN FRANCISCO—Chairman,
Lloyd t^ardner, 3697; Recording
Secretary. H. Krohn, 34819; Read
ing Clerk, H. J. Fischer, 59.
A&C Shipping Frm Oft 18 To Nov. 1
Minutes of previous meetings
in all Branches read and approv
ed. Motion carried to concur in
report of Credentials Committee
on candidates seeking election to
U n i o A office. Communications
read and • excuses acted upon.
Agent reported on prospects for
shipping during the next two
weeks. He said there were two
probable ijayoffs and eight in
transit ships scheduled to call in
the next two weeks. He also re
minded membership that voting
for Union officials was to begin
today and advised members of
REG. REG. REG. TOTAL SHIPPED SHIPPED SHIPPED TOTAL
PORT . DECK ENG. « 5TWDS. REG. DECK ENG. STWDS. SHIPPED
Boston. 23 10 ; 8 41 21 10 8 39
New York 136 118 133 387 . 102 99 85 286
Philadelphia 23 26 17 66 12 6 7 25
Baltimore 54 55 43 152 89 • 74 43 206
Norfolk (Ho FIGURES RECEIVED)
Savannah ....'. 14 ' 9 11 34 5 7 4 16
Tampa 11 8 6 25 9 9 11 29
Mobile. 34 25 30 89 35 38 32 105
New Orleans........... 37 32 55 124 69 62 74 205
Galveston 26 24 22 7^ 19 26 10 55
West Coast 65 39 38 142 59 36 42 137
GRAND TOTAL...,. 423 346 363 1,132 420 367 316 1,103
Agent reported that shipping Was
expected to be slow in the com
ing two weeks. He said that un
der the new security plan, the
Coast Guard authority would be
vested in the local Port Captain,
who could prevent any one from
draft age to keep in touch with
their local boards. He announced
that a political rally was being
hdld in the SUP Hall here, and
s^d that members were invited
to attend. Motion carried to ac
cept SecretaryTreasurer's finan
cial report and Headquarters re
port to the membership. Motion
carried to concur in recommen
dations of Trial Committee. Meet
ing. adjourned at 7:40 PM with
89 members present.
» » »
PHILADELPHIA — Chairman,
D. 'C. Hall. 43372; Recording Sec
retary, W. Bouilelle, 40992; Read
ing Clerk, V. E. Burzak, 42763.
Minutes of previous meetings
read and approved. Agent dis
cussed shipping in the port, say
ing that it had quieted down a
bit in the past two weeks.
Charges read and motion carried
to elect a Trial Committee. Mo
tions carried to concur in Secre
taryTreasurer's financial report
and Headquarters report to the
membership. Meeting adjourned
at 7:45 PM, with 127 members
present.
^ t>
MOBILE—Chairman, O. Stev
ens, 115; Recording Secretary, J.
L. Carroll, 14; Reading Clerk, 71.
Motions carried to accept pre
vious Branch minutes, Secretary
'Treasurer's and Headquarters re
ports as read. Minutes of all
Branch meetings concurred in.
boarding a ship or entering a
waterfront area, if his presence
was considered harmful to US
security. He added that balloting
for 1951 officials had begun and
that every member eligible to
vote should do so. Motion car
ried that we make same dona
tion as other labor unions to the
Mobile Buildipg Trades Defense
Fund. Meeting adjourned at 8:10
!?M, with 235 members present.
i. % i,
NEW ORLEANS — Chairman,
Johnny Johnston, 53; Recording
Secretary, Herman Troxclair,
6743; Reading Clerk, Lindsey
WiUiams, 21550.
Motion carried to concur in
special meeting's action on re
port of Credentials Committee.
Motion carried that Brothers re
questing extensions be referred
to a committee. Headquarters re
port and SecretaryTreasurer's
financial report read and concur
red in. Agent reported that busi
ness affairs of port are in good
shape. He said that shipping had
picked up since the last meeting,
with more members being ship
ped than had registered during
the twoweek period. The Agent
urged all members to cast bal
lots in the current A&G District
election for officials in all ports.
He also advised the membership
to file their beneficiary cards for
death, benefits under the SIU
Welfare Plan .Cards are avail
able in the Patrolman's office on
the third deck and from the Dis
patcher on the second deck in
the New Orleans Hall, he said.
Minutes of all meetings in the
various Branches read and ac
cepted. Communication read from
local Bartenders' Union, citing
an anf4union shop catering to
seamen. Motion carried to sup
port bartenders in their beef with
this establishment, and to stay
out of the place until„he squares
away with the union. Credential
Committee's report read, and mo
tion carried to concur with a
vote of thanks. Charges and trial
committee's report read and con
curred in. The following took the
Union Oath of Obligation: Sam
Munici, Sam Brunson, Kemieth
Blackstone, Edgar Dillion, Lewis
Henry. Under Good and Welfare
there was a good deal of discusr
sion regarding the improved ap
pearance of the Hall since the
last meeting. Brothers who help
ed clean up the place were given
a vote of thanks. Meeting ad
journed at 8:10 PM, with 310
members present.
% % %
SAVANNAH—Chairman, E. B.
Tilley; Recording Secretary, T.
W. Burke, 36602; Reading Clerk,
A. Smith, 36970.
Motion carried to suspend reg
ular order of business to elect
Trial Committee, with following
elected: W. Senders, W. Stall, R.
J. Jones, H. F. Bacon, J. B. Far
row, J. A. Cail. Also elected was
Balloting Committee: M. Mc
Clure, E. H. Searcey, R. J. Jones,
R. A. Carter, F.' Kagelmacher, O.
P. Preussler. SecretaryTreasur
er's financial Report and Head
quarters report to the member
ship read and approved.' Minutes
of other Branch meetings read
and accepted. Agent reported on
shipping. Brothers J. Kite, W.
Ivey, M. McClure, G. H. Hiers,
A. R, Baker took the Union Oath
of Obligation. Motions carried to
concur in Trial Committee's and
Balloting Committee's reports as
read. Meeting adjourned 8:10 PM,
with 39 members present.
* * %
TAMPA—Meeting caUed to or
der at 7 PM but members pres
ent did not constitute a quorum
BO a regular meeting could ' not
be held.
% ^ %
GALVESTON — Chairm,an
Keith Alsop. 7311; Recording Sec
retary, R. Wilbum, 37739; Read
ing Clerk, C. M. TannehRI, 25922.
Headquarters report to the
membership and SecretaryTrea
surer's financial report read and
approv€fd. Minutes of other port
dentials Committee on candidates
for general election in Union.
Agent's report on shipping was
accepted. Meeting adjourned at
7:40 PM, with 65 members pres
ent.
^ % X
NEW YORK —Chairman. Joe
Algina, 1320; Recording Secre
tary, Freddie Stewart, 4935;
Reading Clerk, A1 Kerr, 29314.
Minutes of previous meetings
in aU Branches read and con
curred in. Port Agent discussed
the shipping situation in this
port. He said job opportunities
had been good during the past
twQ weeks, marking a slight im
provement over the previous pe*
riod. SecretaryTreasurer's finan
.cial report read and approved.
In Headquarters report to the
membership, it Was reported
that contracts for the alteration •
of the new HeadquartersPort of
New York building would be
awarded shortly^ relations with
the Cities Service Oil Company
are improving and that mino?
beefs with that outfit will be
ironed out at meeting scheduled
for this week. The report also
disclosed that the Negotiating
Committee had been cleaning up
odds and ends such as war risl^
area bonus, welfare plaii, wage
increases and other matters. Mo
tion carried to concur in Head
quarters report. Meeting ad
journed with 995 members pres
ent.
meetings read and concurred in.
Shipping in this area was dis
cussed by Agent in his report to
the membership. Meeting adjour
ned at 7:25 PM.
XXX
NORFOLK — Chairman, Ban
Rees, 95; Recording Secretary,
James A. Bullock. 4747.
Chairman pointed out that
since a quorum was not present,
that a special meeting would be
held for purpose of checking
cards and passing on excuses.
XXX
BOSTON—Chairn^pn, B. Law
son, 894; Recording Secretary, D.
Sheehan, 22856.
Minutes of meetings in other
Branches read and approved.
Motions carried to accept Secre
taryTreasurer's financial report
and Headquarters " report to the
membership as read. Motion car
ried to concur in report of Cre
WALTER TKACH
Get in touch with Bud Leavitt,
20 Hovey St., Quincy, Ma^s.
Telephone: PR 35126.
XXX
JOHN ARROYO
Contact, Benjamin B. Sterling
or Marvin Schwartz at 42 Broad
way, Ne>y York City.
5. X X ...
LIEF NIELSEN
Your brother Erik asks you
to write him'vc/o SS Calumet,
c/o Marine Ptfetoffice, Soo, Mich
igan.
X X X
WM. MICKEY POWERS ̂
This Broi^r would apEffeciate
hearing from his friends, at 169
Laurel Avenu®, Bridgeport, Con
necticut.
X
JOSEPH NORMAND RIOUX
Mrs. Shirley' Wdssel, Seamen's
Church Institute,. 25^ Soutb Street,
New York City3ia^ an important
message for you.
XXX
RICHARD EGAN
Contact Prudential Ins;irance
Company, Newark 1, New Jer
sey. Money is due you.
XXX
BERTIL SVENSSON
Get ini touch Avith lirwin Suall,
1548 President Street, Brooklyn,
New York.
XXX
GILBERT MUIRHEAD
Contact Benjamin B. Sterling,
42 Broadway, New York City.
There is money owed and due
you.
XXX
CONNALLY PLATT
Miss. Jeral Stovall wants you
to contact, her: c/o Mrs. C. E.
Rivers, 208 W. Ross, Tampa 2,
Florida.
XXX
W. SPENCER
CHRIS HALVORSEN
SOLOMON BISHAW
Contact J. J. Doyle, 510 Cali
fornia Street, San Francisco 4,
California, regarding case of
Waclaw Lueschner.
HERMANUS OUT
Get in touch with WiUiara
Gannon, SS Puerto Rico, 51
Beaver St., New York.
XXX
PEDRO ARTE AG A
Your mother has passed away.
Write your sister: Mrs. R. A.
De Suescum, PC Box 610, Guay
aquil, Equador.
X X x_
ED YANCEY
Robert G. Cowdrey asks that
you write him: SS Steel Chem
ist, c/o Isthmian SS Company,
71 Broadway, New York, New
York.
XXX
BLICKER ROBBINS
JOHN FLYNN
Get in touch with Peter Ger
navage, in Savannah, in refer
ence to your case.
XXX
CHARLES T. HALL
Get jn touch with your mother,
321 South Pearl Street, Youngs
town, Ohio.
XXX
THOMAS F. WHITESIDE
Get in touch with Richard
Gyory, 15 Moore Street, NeW
York City, concerning a settle
ment of your case.
All senders of mail and pack
ages to crewmembers on ships
operated by Orion Shipping 8t
Trading Company are requested
to include the vessel's name in
the address, to insure prompt
and proper delivery.
XXX
Anyone finding a service watch
left on SS Steel Designer, on
November 3, in Hoboken, please
send it to Donald J. Moore, d
Haddon Avenue, Camden, New
Jersey.
• Sll
• 'i
Page Twelve TBE SEAFARERS LOG Frl^y, i^ovellUHiir ibr 1^0
M. E. Watson, Chief Electrician, took the paihsf
to send these photos of the crewmemhers of thei
Steel Traveler, Isthmian, taken on a recent voyagd
to the Far East. To Brother Watson, "Thanks." To
other Seafarers, "Go thou and do likewise." / r
: • •
This is the deck gang of the Steel Traveler, looking happv and weU fed. Unforlimatdv.
Brother Watson did not idetdify all of the men in the photo. The only ones labeUed are Bosun
John (Bananas) Ziereis on the fax left, standing (behind the beard), and Peter Blanco, AB, on
the feir'right. Looking on from the rear is Alfonso Formasanto, Oiler.
The one and only John (Bananas) Ziereis shown "ha his
native garb," according to Watson.
lx
I
I fe:
George Mitchell tunes up for
the strenuous (so Brother
Watson says) work of an El
ectrician.
Here are the men responsible for the satisfied looks on the faces of the Steel Traveler
^ crewmen^rs:
Front row: F. A. Delapenha, Steward; Leonard Rhino, Saloon Messman; L. Nelson, Chief
Cook; F. Bradley, 3rd Cook.
Steward Delapenha can dish Back row: J. Styles, Sidoon Pantryman; H. Patterson, Jr„ Pantryman; W. Clark. BR; Cecil
it out, and tlie men like it. Thomasr PBR. and L. Brown, BR Utility.
It's on the arm, fellows, and
these guys on the left seem to
like it, especially the brave
guy with the hypo. Sorry, we
don't have the full names, but
taking the usual shots for
Near wd Far East trips are:
the Jr. Third Mate; Bauer,
FWT; Mac, OS, and Bob, AB.
On the right are some rep
resentatives of the engine de
partment, with Port Said,
E^Pf' serving as the back
drop: Francis Panette, Jr.,
.Wiper; Herbert White, FWT;
F. A. Wainwright, FWT, and
Jim Moore, Oiler, who is also
the. Delegate.
Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf Diatrict, Seafarers International UHion of North America
VOL. XII NEW YORK. N. Y» FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10. 1950 No. 22
'i Doff My Hat'
To US Seamen,
Says Judge Knox
In a stirring tribute to the Am
»ican seamen, Fedejial Judge
John Knox of New York recent
ly dec^red that "had it not been
for them the war could not have
been fought, and certainly, it
could not have been won,"
Judge Knox's colorful descrip
tion of the seamen'^ part in
World War II was part of an
address delivered in New York
City.
The text of the Judge's re
marks alx)ut merchant seamen
follows;
At this point, I shall digress
for the moment, and say a word
concerning the men who, dioring
the war, were unsung, and al
most forgotten; a group of "men,
many of whom swear and curse,
who drink and brawl, and who
often take delight in raising hell.
Their uniforms are dungarees,
and frequently they are all but
naked. Upon Fifth Avenue they
never parade, and the Waldorf
Astoria knows them not. When
on shore, their habitat is South
Street and the New York water
frpnt. Yet, had it not been .for
them, the war could not have
been fought, and certainly, it
could not have been won. The
supplies with which your sons
engaged in combat were given
them by the swearing, cursing,
drinking men of whom I have
spoken—men of stamina, knowl
edge, skill and fidelity —7 men
whose bodies were formed in
molds from which heroes com(
the men of the American Mer
chant Marine!
MET SURVIVORS' KIN
Down in my court, a few years
ago, I had custody of hundreds
of thousands of • dollars. I had
to distribute that money. None
"of it went to the persons fpr
whom it was originally intended.
Their Tjones were a litter on the
floor of the seven seas. The
throats of some were frozen stiff
inthe wastes of the Arctic, and
others, in the South Pacific, were
eaten by sharks. Still more were
burned alive or coldly murdered
by machine gunners of German
submarines. These men no long
er are in need of funds. The
mioney went to their wives and
next of kin.
Frpra what I have seen of men
on the merchant ships of the
United States, I gladly doff my
hat 'and respectfully bend my
kiiee to th? men—hiunble and
bad as many of them be—^who
today go down to the sea in
ships. LoyaUy and ? devoteifiy
tbfy'serve us, and help America
carry on the commerce of the
LaborSupported Candidates
Thank SlU For Election Aid
In following the policy laid down by the American Federation of Labor,
many hundreds of Seafarers voluntarily joined other trade unionists in sup
porting candidates friendly to organized labor in the campaigns that ended
on Election Day. Below are reprinted some of the messages of appreciation
sent to SecretaryTreasurer Paul Hall by successful candidates who were
given voluntary support by SIU members in the Port of New York.
All of the candidates who were aided have put themselves on recordto
fight for retention of the Union Hiring Hall.
The recent election was the occasion for a gratifying participation by the
people through many of their organi5!;ations in the functioning of democracy. Your
organization was one of those which shared in an outstanding and constructive* way
in the effort to inform the people of the issues and to arouse them to the importance
of voting.
I am deeply grateful for the confidence shown in me by the members of your
Union and by their support as reflected in an intensive program of activity in be
half of my candidacy. I am sure that this contributed significantly to the outcome.
I hope that my work as Senator from New York during the next six years
will make your members feel that their efforts have been rewarded. I shall do my
best. Yours very sincerely,
Herbert H. Lehman, United States Senator
Please extend to the officials and members of your Union my sincere apprecia
tion for their efforts on my behalf. To have had the Cooperation of your members
during the election campaign and the use of your sound equipment was very gratify
ing. It made me feel that my work in Congress has been appreciated. I'm looking for
ward" to again serving with the^best at my command when I return to Congress. Sin
cerely yours,
Arthur G. Klein, Member of Congress
Heartfelt thanks for your valued support in my successfuL campaign for re
election to Congress. Sincere personal regards and best wishes.
Louis B. Heller, Member of Congress
Your great support in behalf of my successful campaign for reelection to
Congress is deeply appreciated. My sincere personal regards.
JohA J. Rooney, Member of Congress
Many thanks for your wholehearted support in behalf of my successful cam
paign for reelection to Congress. Sincere regards to your entire organization.
Donald L. O'Toole, Member of Congress
The help you gave my campaign on Staten Island and throughout the entire
Congressional District with your sound truck and other activities has been of great
advantage to me. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude and express my appreciation to
your entire membership with warmest personal regards.
James J. Murphy, Member of Congress
Congratulations on your magnificent job in aiding my campaign. You are prov
ing what I have contended all along, that trade unions are the bedrock of our democ
racy and trade tuaidn meni will be found always fighting for justice and truth in our
society regardless of party or other considerations. Please accept my sincere thanks
for your outstandingly fine cooperation.
\ Jacob K. Javits, Member of Congress
Accept my wncere thanks for all your efforts in my behalf. Your help was a
great factor in my reelection. Regards.
Isidore DoUinger, Member of Congress
Through the courtesy of the Seafarers International Union a sotmd truck has
been campaigning for me in my Congressional District. Please convey my sincere
thanks to all >our members forthe part they have played in this effort. I appreciate
it very much. Please extend to all your niembers also my congratulations and thanks
for* their very effective accomplishment in the general campaign on behalf of both the
Democratic and Liberal candidates. Sincerely yours.
Franldin D. Roosevelt, Jr., Member of Congress
American Ships
Played Key Role
in Korean Crisis
Figures received by the SEA
FARERS LOG this week showed
that the US merchant marine
played a highly decisive role in
the UN's successful defense and
counteroffensive in Korea, ̂ y de .
livering mountains of much need'
ed supplies in the critical days
of battle.
In the 90 days following the*
outbreak of hostilities US mer
chant shipping shifted gears from
normal world trade overnight,
£md sent more than 80 privately .
owned ships steaming to Korea
laden with war supplies.
OUT OF LAYUP
At the same time American
seamen were called upon to take
from the boneyard over 130 gov
ernment owned idle ships, fit
them out, load cargo and rush
westward to the battle* zone.
Of these ships, 33 privately
owned vessels and 13 govern
ment owned ships were manned
by crews of the SIU.
During this critical period the
US ships carried 80 percent of
the 3 miHion tons of cargo—ex^
elusive of petroleum products
delivered. The vessels carried 300
times the amount carried by air.
Foreign ships accounted for
but six percent of the dry cargo
traffic.
US Merchant Fleet
On The Increase:
One Vessel Is Added
America's privately owned
merchant fleet increased during
the month of September, accord
ing to figures compiled by the
National Federation of American
Shipping. One vessel was added.
The (fleet now stands at 728
dry cargo ships and 450tankers,
the new addition being the pur
chase from the Maritime Admin
istration of a dry cargo Liberty.
CHARTERS
Supplementing the privately
owned fleet are 193 government
owned ships chartered to private
operators for use in supporting
UN forces in Korea.
The agency also noted that 23
additional ships have been re
moved from the layup fleet for
repairs, but assignment to actual
operation depends on the inter
national situation.
The layup fleet now totals
2,049 ships, among which are
24 World War 11 tankers, li604
Liberty vessels and 136 Victory
ships.
r Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG
m i
SEAFARERS LOG
Published Every Other Week by the
SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION
OP NORTH AMERICA
Attantic and Gulf District
AffiliMed with the AiiiericStn j^ed&mlidh oi Labot
At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y.
HAnover 22784
Reentered as second class matter August 2, 1949, at the Post
Office in New York, N.Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912.
267
After Twelve Years
This month marks the twelfth anniversary of the
• birth of the SlU's Atlantic and Gulf District. According
to the calendar we're young in ye^rs, but the history of
our Union's activities and accomplishments shows that the
A&G District has emerged from the first dozen years of
its exis/tence as a seasoned veteran inl the continuing fight
for greater security for the American seamen.
When the SIU A&G District stepped into the picture,
the maritime industry offered American seamen nothing
. more than a chaotic existence. Wages Were poor and ship
board conditions were worse. Job security was something
that had no place in the seamen's lingo and representation
'Was virtually nonexistent. Under such circumstances it
Was natural that there was no dignity attached to a sailing
Career.
Space limitations of an editorial column do not per
liiit a blowbyblow accouht of the Union's winning
battle in behalf of seafaring men. But a brief mention of
a few of the solid advances we have scored to date will
emphasize the fact" that the picture has changed com
pletely.
For example, Seafarers today are assured of a demo^
cratic employment procedure second to none^the rotary
system of shii>ping. Although enemies of organized labor
have repeatedly sought to smash the hiring hall, our
Union has militantly preserved this backbone of the free
seamen's moveihient.
Along with the rotary system the SIU A&G District
consistently set the pace for the highest wage scales and
the finest ship b&ari conditions in the maritime industry.
And men aboard SlUcontracted ships enjoy representa
tion that has few equals anywhere.
In the past few months, the SIU established what
sjeamen the world over have been dreaming about for,
decades—a Welfare Plan designed to provide security for
£ Seafarers and their dependents. The .plan is new and bene
fits thus far are limited to weekly hospital benefits and
. death benefits to beneficiaries, but the ultimate objective
if is a form of security that Will enable Union members to
live decently after they are no longer physically able to
go to sea.
No wonder one of our oldtimers summed it up this
way the other day: "If anyone would have suggested
when we started out 12 years ago that Seafarers would
have all they have today, I'd have told him he Was dream
ihg."
' ^All of which proves that when Seafarers stick to
gether .and keep pitching for the common good, they
can make dreams come true.
Cast Your Vote
Between now and December 31, Seafarers will be
reminded constantly of one of their primary rights.and
obligations as good Union men and advocates of the demO'
cratic process. We're speaking of voting in the elections
now being conducted in all A&G District Branches to
select officials to serve our Organization during the coming
year. .
* Balloting started on November 1, and although the
first week brought a good turnout to the Union polls, it
is highly important that each and every Seafaier physically
• able should get his ballot and have his secret say.
' Picking your Union Officials by secret vote is your
<jlemocratic right. Exercise this right—by voting. Do it
now!
STATEM ISLAND
R. P. NIEVES
F. KUBEK
D. KOROLIA
J. LUCAS
J. MOLINI
B. RAMIREZ
J. HANSON .
L. HOLLIDAY
R. GRESHAM
C. FIGUEROA • ^ • •
B. DARLEY
J. QUIMERA
H. S. MOORE
YOU fZANG '
E. SPAULDING
0. HANSEN
B. JURKOWSKI
C. EZELL •
A. VASQUEZ
S. GLYPTIS
D. GARDNER , . •
R. CHRlSTOPHEfU
X % %
MANHATTAN BEACH
A. LOMAS
V. CHESNER
W. PADGETT
H. SELBY
J. PADZIIC •
R. CABRERA
H, TUTTLE"
V. MILAZZO
M. BRUNO
P. VORKE
J. J. DRISCOLL .
J. H. ASHURST
J. SPAULDING
J. T. EDWARDS
1. LIGiiTFOOT
E. FERRER
R. A. BLAKE
E. LOPEZ
S. BURGSTROM
Bill Padgett, SIU delegate at Man
hattan Beach Hospital, caii he cotitact
• d from 3^4:30 PM every day on the
second deck,' West Side, Ward L.
ie ir V
SAN FRANCISCO
AH KAN HO (EDDIE HO).
GEORGE H. NOLES
WYLIE G. JARUIS.
THOMAS J. CONNELL
WILLIE WATSON
JAMES R. LEWIS
EDWARD L. PRITCHARD
JAMES HODO '
ir X ih
ELLIS ISLAND
G. C. GAGE
M. COLLINS
B. T. KNEW
2. t
NEW ORLEANS
• ADRIAN AARONS
E; J. ALBINSKI
C. A. BROWN
B. P. BURKE
JOHN L. CALDWELL
WILSON O. CARA
BYRON. J.CHAPMAN
ROGELIO CRUZ
LEROY DONALD
W. H. HARRIS
L. A. HOLMES
D.D.KELLY
HUGH F. LAGAN
LEO H. LANG
M. E. NEWMAN
• K. RAANA
J. A. ROZMUSZ
CHARLES R. SANDERSON
ROBERT W. THOMPSON
LONNIE R. TICKLE
ir is. %
BALTIMORE
WILLIAM' R. MCILVEEN
LARRY JONES
JAMES C. HEGLIGER
EDWARDO S. TORO
SAM P. DR.URY
JAMES E. THOMPSON
HEIMO.A. RUITTOLA
DAVID E. MILLER
WALTER R. WELCOME
WILLIAM J. WOLFE
NORBERT PRUSZKA
M.. D. WATT ^
FRED L PITTlJtAN
ROBERT V. DILLON
WALTER J. HACKETT
JOSEPH A. PILUTIS
ROBERT T. WILLOUGHBY
GAETANO MINISTERI
PA WELL MATAN
, % v ^
GALVESTON
L. E. SURRENCY
JOHN J. EZELL
Staten Island ttospital
. You can contact your Hos
pital delegate jit the Staten
Island Hospital at the foUow
Ing times:
Tuesday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.nu
(on 5th and 6th Rddrs*)
Thursday 1:30 td 3:30 p.ni.
(cn 3rd and 4th floors.)
Saturday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m,
(on Ist and 2nd iloori.)
THOMAS C. HICNEY
ELMO VANCE
L. E. COHEN ^ •
J. M. SHIPLEY V
BOSTON. (BRIGHTON)
R. LUFLIN , :• I ,
t
MOBILE
TIM BURKE ' : . ;
• S. P. PINER
T. B. LASH Jh
4. 4, , '.sf .
FORT STANTON. NJ4.
GIDLOW WOODS £f|
A. MCDONALD ' .
R. A. RADCLIFF J''
S. WALKER ' f
H. THURMAN
W. MEEHAN
t i i
PONCE. PUERTO RICO
R. V. SUAREZ
4. 4. 4.
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO .
R. C. LUNDQUIST
E. S. TORO
4. i 4.
SAVANNAH
LEO KODURAND
F. CASASCO • ;
W. J. MORRIS , f ^
W. W. JONES • •
J. B. FULGHAM tr?
• • ̂ ATTLE'^''*f5iiiS
JACK SERATT 1''
V
FtieUiy, Hevemlwr 10. IfSO T 3 E A P A R E R S L O G Page Thi^
ttvertgie Figures Cerreeted
In a recent story announcing the new freightship seale^
under the 6.38 percent increase, errors were made in announc
ing the standby rater and the overtime demarcation point. Here,
then, are the corrected figures:
On fr^htships, the present overtime rate is $1.22 for
ratings under $262.47, and $1.54 for ratings over that figure.
The studby rate is $1.64 for an 8hour day, with timeanda
haif for overtime and Saturdays and Sundays.
For tankers, the overtime rate is $1.22 for ratings imder
• $258. 24, and $1.54 for those above that figure.
New York Sati^iod With Shipping Tempo
One Who Escaped Exposes
Russian Brand Of Justice 'i lii
By A. LAS
The ioUowing item is reprinted from "The Challenge," the bulletin of the Association
of Former "Political Prisoners of Soviet Labor Camps. The next time anyone tries to tSD
you about the glorious life in.Russia or one of her.satellite "People's Democracies," show
By JOE ALGINA
NEW YORK—^During the past
iwo weeks we handled 32 pay
offs and 8 sigmons for what can
be considered for this port a
good week. We can't find room
to complain when the tempo' is
such as it was during this pe
riod., Of course, some of the
iships were in the coastwise trade
and took few men, but just the
same they were ships and every
how and then in need of re
placements.
On one of the ships that hit
here, we got a call from the
company that the Skipper had
radioed in that the crew was the
worst bunch of screwballs and
foulups he had ever had under
him and he was going to raise
a rumpus when the ship docked.
We were there' when she pull
ed in,. and instead of finding a
crew on the verge of mutiny we
found one of the best crews
we've runacross in a. long time.
The crew—sent by the Philadel
phia HaU—was on the ball and
a credit to our Union. The screw
ball turned out to be the Cap
tain.
Speaking of foulups, we have,
however, found a few Electri
cians^on some ships who don't
seem to know a good thing when
they see it. The Electricians have
one of the best deals in the
Union and should protect it.
There are only two aboard the
ships andwhen they both take
off it means trouble.
Only a few have been fouling
up, but these few can cause
hardships for all Electricians.
These men should buckle down
and protect their "jobs.
We have a report that the
Evangeline is due to go into
operations over the holidays. We
haven't anything definite on this,
but if the company tells us it's
a. .sure thing, we'll report the
fact in this column.
"VOLUNTARY WAY"
In the last weeks we've been
seeing a lot of advertisements
by the American Medical Asso
ciation telling us that federal
health insurance is no good and
the "voluntary way is the Am
erican way." In other words,
nothing is the American way for
the millions who cannot afford
the high cost of Blue Cross and
other such plans.
This country needs a health
plan of some kind and needs it
badly. The armed forces are re
jecting 58 percent of the draf
tees for medical reasons. Correc
tive medicine would no doubt
have cut this percentage way
down. It's a shame to see doc
tors fighting to keep adequate
medical care from the millions,
but they are not alone. All the
big drug manufacturing houses
and chemical outfits are putting
up millions too.
Seamen have the use of marine
hospitals when they take sick,
and no seaman can say he did
not receive the best of treatment
and the benefit of the latest,in
medical knowledge. To receive
the same in a private hospital
would be beyond the. pocketbook
of seamen. There should be an
equivalent system set up for
working people all over the
country.
*'him this story.
May. 1st, 1938. I am out in the
street, walking past groups of
citizens who are dressed in their
Sunday best and are about to
celebrate May 1, the great Labor
holiday. But I must keep my
hands behind my back, I must
look straight before me and must
not stop.
These are the orders. Two men
with pistols in their hands are
walking behind me. The people
we pass by look at me with
frightened eyes.
BREAD AND SOUP
I, spent the first month of my
imprisonment in a solitary* cell
of our regional provincial prison.
I slept on the floor, received a
pound of bread a day and a bowl
of thin soup. Nobody came to
see me or to interrogate me.
A month later I was transfer
red to Orel, to the'famous cen
tral prison.
In the days before the Revolu
tion this prison generally held
several hundred prisoners, and
now there were 27,000 of them.
We were 168 men in oiy: cell.
We were suffocating with the
heat and stuffiness, with the
stench of the toilet bowl.
Balloting Begins For A&C 1951 Officials
^ ta all SIU Branches on November 1 shows Seafarers in New York preparing to cast their ballots
in the A&G election to determine officials for 1951. Handling tlie machinery of voting is an elected committee of
members in each port. Now York's committee isr seated left ta right, P. J. McCann, Mike Delano, H. Smith. W. Wal
lace and John Lucas. Voting will continue straight through in all ports until December 31, to give all members the
opportunity to register their votes. Make sure you cast yours.
There was no place to lie
doymr I could only sit with my
legs under me. At night men
slept in distorted, doubled up
postures. One's feet lay on the
faces and shoulders of other mem
My interrogations began only
a month and a half later. The
charges against me was—delib
erate destruction of cattle by in
nocculating them with infectious
disease.
I was generally summoned at
night. I had to stand to atten
tion before my investigator till
dawn. He demanded a confes
sion with the names of my "ac
complices." I was innocent, had
no accomplices and refused to
confess.
After a few nights the inves.
tigator threatened to arrest my
wife. When this proved of no
avail. I was transferred from
prison to a basement cell of the
Orel NKVD (secret police: edi
tor).
"CONFESSION"
Here I was interrogated sev
eral times a day. Once I was led
to some special room. Here, in
addition to my interrogator,
there were several NKVD ag
ents. When I insisted on my in
nocence they began beating me.
I fell down, and they proceeded
to kick me—^"Confess, and we'll
stop."
I could not walk back to my
cell without help. Later came
various forms of tortme. Each
has a special technical name;
Here is what 1 had to endure:
"The candle"—this meant that
1 had to stand to attention im
mobile for several hours at a
stretch.
"The swallow" meant that 1
had to stand on one foot, stretch
ing out the other leg wa' '
hind, my body bent for ?
with my hands held upwaras.
"The humming top" — meant
that 1 was suspended with a
special belt, then whirled round
rapidly for several minutes, then
—let down; my eyes popped out;
1 was dizzy and could not stand
on my feet.
MOCK KILLING
I was also led out for a mock
execution. 1 was put up on thd
"high, seat," a tall narrow stool
about, six feet high, with nb ^
support for either, amtis aiui
legs. All this was accompanied
by repeated beatings with fists
or revolver butts.
i
When all these repeated tor
tures failed to wring a confes^
sion out of me, 1 was sent back
to prison. .
For eight months 1 was left
alone. Then I was told that m^
indictment was "requalified:"., I
was no more a cattle extermina
tor, but—a plain "wrecker."
After a year and half of imr
prisonment 1 was released. %.
came out an invalid without
teeth, with my eyesight per
manently impaired.
Before my release 1 had to sigit?
a pledge that I would tell no
one. of my experiences in the
NKVD, not "even my wife.
T^Toax THE SEAFARERS L&G Nev«t|ab«r io« 1859
E;;:v
ISi' 'Mar Log': Newest SlU Shipboard Paper
1
r" i'i.
||;
i!:;
The smell of printer's ink has been added to the salt
air floating across the decks of the SS Del Mar.
weeks of detailed planning, Seafarers aboard
the Delta Line passenger ship have joined the ranks of
SIU shipboard publishers with an attractive, entertaining
and informative sheet called the "Mar Log."
Sparking the crew's project is Editor George W.
(Bill) Champlin, the Del Mar's Bosim, who has shaped
one of the most distinctive publications of its kind.
The first edition, of 34 pages, is mimeographed on
buffcolored heavy stock and is sprinkled with spot car
toons to liven its columns. ^^
Brother Champlin heads up a
staff that obviously has put
plenty of effort into the "Mar
Log." Clifton Treuil is handling
the Business Manager's post, in
addition to serving as Associate
Editor. Because of the volume of
advertising, the staff was ex
panded, after the first issue, to
include a manager for that end
of the job. Curley Liles took
over the position.
REPORTERS
Big Bill Brown and Lonnie
Hargesheimer comprise the re
porterial staff, and Steve Sobczyk
and W. Long execute the art
work and layouts.
Holding down the sportswrit
ing post is Douglas (Smiley)
Claussen. Leslie Wilson's duties
as treasurer will be taken over
by Joe Vaccaro, when Wilson
gets off the ship at the end of
the current voyage.
^niky 'Baioys'
Real-Life Cpk
Well, Brothers, especially those
in the Deck Department, aboard
the good ship "Del Mar," I have
a reallife epic in mind, that I
would like to write down. You
may call it a word of advice, if
you wish. Ever since I boarded
this vessel last trip, I have high
ly admired the clean, starched
uniforms of our Quartermasters
and FireWatchmen. As I slaved
on deck, in filth and grime, you
could often hear my plea: "Oh,
for the soft, clean job of a
.Watchman!"
HAPPY CHOICE
Getting to the point, in Rio de
Janeiro we left behind a very
good shipmate, "GUie," the
Watchman. He had to be re
placed. Much to my joy, I was
selected. Not having before no
ticed the tired, weary look on
the faces of Brothers Champlin
and Reiersen, I undertook the
new job with vim and vigor.
Welli after having climbed once
and a half a? many stairs as
there are in the Washington
Monument, and I am about to
finish the last round if I'm lucky
enough to survive, I can no long
er understand why they pick
only men over fifty years old for
this job. How do they do it? Now
you can hear my revised plea:
Take nie back to the filth and
grime on deck."
Tomorrow morning you will
see me on the bow, scanning the
Santos doekside for a sight of
Ollie's smiling face, and hoping
that he has not deserted us to
go back to Oslo.
Yes, you may have your clean,
starched khaki uniforms, for you
have earned them. I will end this
tale with just foiu words: "Bo
sun, take me back."
"Smffey"
1
Enterprising business concerns
in ports visited by the Del Mar
apparently are convinced that
the shipboard publication is a
sound advertising medium.
The paper, however, has a
clear policy on advertisers, set
forth in a statement on the edi
torial page:
"The 'Mar Log' will not ac
cept advertising matter from any
person or firm conducting busi
ness in a manner deemed inimi
cal to the best interests of all
seamen. Any evidence of chic
anery on the part of an adver
tiser wiU be taken as groimds
for discontinuance of further
publicity, and the return of any
unexpended money. This prin
ciple is basic."
CG FEATURE
Among the first issue's fea
tures are a story on the Coast
Guard by Bill Brown, several
poems by Del Mar poets, a thea
tre review! by Vernon North and
a number of sports and personal
items of interest to the crew.
The three articles appearing
on' this page from the '"Mar
Log" are representative of the
excellent work of the first issue.
The "Mar Log" got off to a fly
ing start. "Watch Us Grow," the
cover of the first issue says.
Judging from the way Editor
Champlin and his host of assist
ants are turning to, the future
looks mighty promising for this
youngest of SIU shipboard pub
lications. Front cover of SEAFARERS LOG's new competitor.
The Del Mar Stewardess Goes Shopping
It's early morning, and biu
ship is docked. Just like all the
passengers, the crewmembers al
so like to get their feet on dry
land, after days at sea. A quick
breakfast, and I'm off to shop
for a few trinkets.
The most fascinating objects
that I have evef seen are the
curios made of the iridescent
blue wings of the Morpho but
terfly. As I see the beautiful
work being done in shops, I ask
many questions. I'note the quiet
and patient atmosphere aroimd
the table, where each .girl is sit
ting with 'many small boxes of
different' species of moth and
butterfly wings before her. She
uses no pattern; her face ex
presses her concentration on
what she is doing: in her mind
she has a design. She draws an
outline on a piece of thin paper,
applies a bit of glue here and
there, picks up a wing with a
pair of tweezers, and, directly,
you see a lovely design take
form. Each girl has something
different," so you see but few
duplications. Some girls are mak
ing trays; others, plates, .brace
lets, lockets, pictures, and table
tops. ' _
Then I asked the owner of the
shop (called a factory), "Where
and how, do you get so many
butterfly wings?"
He answers, "Butterflies in our
country, senhorita? There are so
many varieties, but none sur
passes the blue Morpho. The
story of thgm is a thing few
persons ask about."
"Butj please, I wish to know.
How do you get them?"
"There are boats ̂with native
crews, that know the jimgle.
Parties are made up." They go
far, many day's travel, into the
jungles of ouip. Brazil, which
have so many unsolved myster
ies. They have special nets, Af
ter they draw up to some inter
ior section, of, which, perhapS}
they have • learned from their
fathers before them, they seek
and fed thousands of these beaur
tiful buterflies. They are gone
many days on their mission, im
til,' finally, they have a quota.
Sometimes one or two of the
hunters is missing."
"Where are they?" I asked.
"Oh, perhaps they straye^ too
far into the jimgle, and some
wild animal or snake killed them;
or maybe'the fever got them."
"You mean that a life, or more,
was given for those butterflies?"
"Yes, senhorita, many times."
So, Mr. and Mrs. Tourist, and
Brother seaman, try to see not
only the beauty of the gift you
buy on your next shopping
round, but thiifk of what drama
sometimes lies behind your pur
l/i^y Besms Get Gray Hmr
We recently happened to overhear this rare gem. Bosun
Libby was telling a certain AB, who is no longer with us, to
continue with hisold job after coffee time. (I found out later
that the character in question had been chipping and fed
leading an open handrail.) "You go back topside, and do the
job you had. and don't leave a lot of holidays." •
"Oh, you' want me to go back and paint that fence."
It is to Brother Libby's credit that he didn't blow liis top
—^well, not very much. I can still get an occasional rise out
of him by inquiring whether his fences are all mended and
whitewashed. —Bv Bill
';, ..
chase; aod, when you and your
friend, admire your gifts' back
home, offer a silent prayer, for
one who, perhaps, gave so much
for your eyes to behold the most
beautiful butterfly you have ever
seen, with its everchanging hues.
Hail, Brazil, with your many
untapped resources, and your
brave people!
—^Rosalie Rodrigue
a> a, %
Anent the above article, there
is a phase of the buttGrfly wing
trade that is, in many respects,
even more horrible than the
writer has pointed out. The ex
convicts of Guienne (which we
call French Guiana), used to be
compelled to remain in that
country as many more years as
they had served as prisoners.
These libres were totally unpro
vided for by their government,
and were hard put to it to earn I
a. living. A disgracefully high )
percentage never survived to re
gain their freedom. Butterfly I
hunting was one Of their re
sources. Unarmed, almost with
out clothing,slacking quinine, the
toll of life was appailitogi
Will some one please write ̂ an j
article on this intriguing subject j
for a future number of "The
Mar Log?'^
Zmtos I
Friday; Itovwnber iO^ im
* I • ,^l LI ^ II I. I • I " IIL, J • I I fjl!
THE SEAF ARERIS LOG Page F|ve
Everybody is happy—at least they look it— in engine
room of the Simmons Victory. Sitting in the forefront is
Melanson, Engine Utility. In the rear row are Butch MacLeod.
Oiler; Steve Szylvian; the Jr. 3rd, and Whitey, FWT.
"I thought that you 3nd the
membership might be interested
in these' photographs of various
members of the crew on the
Simmons Victory, a Bull Line
honeyard job," wrote Stanley J.
Cieslals, in the letter that ac
companied these pictures.
' Well, we siue are, Stanley,
and this page is proof. We don't
, like to repeat ourselves—^we say
the same thing on page 12 of
this issue—^but we do want pic
, turee, and so does the great ma
jority of the membership. How
ever, make sure you include all
pertinent information with the
photographs: name of ship,, ports
of signon and destination, and
the full names and ratings of all
hands, spelled right (misspell
ing a man's name is one way of
losing a friend) and a brief ac
count 6f anything interesting
that may have happened.
The^ fellows seem to take picturetaking seriously. They
are: McCarthy, DM; Hunt, AB; Pete Karas, Carpenter, and
McKenna, OS.
Holding the saw is Tom
Fleming, AB. with Pete Kexas.
Chips, behind him. They look
proud of their job.
That welcome break that makes the day's work easier on everybody aboard—coffeetime is
bwg enjoyed by the men on the Simmons Victory. All three departments are represented in
this "break" in occupational dttfies. Inboard in the picture are Downey, AB; Andy, Chief Cook;
McKenna, OS, and "Speedy." Wiper. Outboard, facing, the camera, are Hickey, AB; Karas, Car
penter; Chermesino, DM, and Horrb, OS.
Pausing briefly while spool
ing on jumbo wire are (left)
D. Downey and J. Maffuci.
Able Seamen,
3^15.•
Bosun Stanley Cieslals titles this one 'Xooking into the crystal ball, to
f," The head belong to Speedy, Wiper,
where we're
Posing casually on the Number 4 hatch, while in Puget
.Sound, ere Tom Fleming. AB; E. Grose, BR; Butch MacLwd.
Oiler, and Hodge and Downey, ABs.
Editor's note to Brother Cieslals: Thanks for sending these
shots in and, at the risk .of making pigs of our^lves, do it
againand that goes for the rest of you Seafarers, too. Hown
ever, make sure thai you supply the information requested
in the introductory paragraphs cm this page. Then everybody
will be happy—we and the guys in the pictures.
...
'''
'\'^k
• ff
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P|ig« Six THE 'SEAFARERS LOG Friday. Noramber 10,.19S0
SHIPS' MmiVTES AMD MEIffiS
i
Crew Letters Flood Senate Group
With Praise For CS Investigation
Since the report in the SEAFARERS LOG of the Senate inyestigation
of the Cities Service case, in which the sordid antiunion practices of the com
pany were exposed to the public eye, SIU crews have been filling the mails
with letters of thanks^
and praise to the Senate
Labor subcommittee.
The Senate committee, headed
by Senator James Murray, held
weeklong hearings la^t month
in the antiunion practices of the
Cities Service Oil Company's
marine Division. In the hearings
the SIU introduced reams of
testimony proving the company
discharged men for Union ac
tivity, hired labor spies and
sponsored a phony company un
ion to deny the company's sea
>5.
li
Galley Force
Wading Wins
Crew's Praise
Service above and beyond the
call of duty could describe the
actions of the SS DePauw Vic
tory's Stewards Department. Ac
cording to a letter from the crew,
the galley force was hard put
to serve the crew's meals with
out the use of water wings.
Seems the scuppers got clogged
and the water was ankle deisp
during the weeks following the
ship's departure from New Or
leans on September 17. Despite
the adverse conditions the Stew
ards Department came through
in great shape, and earned a
vote of thanks from the ship's
crew.
Crewmember L. Craddock de
scribes the Stewards Depart
ment's dilenuna in a letter re
ceived by the LOG this week:
"Brothers of the SIU, we take
great pleasure in complihienting
an excellent Stewards Depart
ment for a job well done.
"We sailed from" New Orleans
on September 17th and on the
'18th the scuppers in the galley
plugged up. The water was
ankledeep all over the galley.
"The 1st Assistant and Wipers
tried in vain to open the lines.
The deck gang tried, too, in vain.
But the valiant Stewards De
partment didn't let a little wa
ter stop them. The big 3rd Cook
from Hammond, La. said, 'Damn
the water, bring on the raising
jack.'
IN, NOT OUT
"Well, fellows, it lasted all
the way over to the Far East.
The seas were coming over and
holes drilled in the galley bulk
head let the wAer in instead of
letting it out.
"Needless to say, the boys
• practically had to swim in order
to get the meals out to the
crew.
"We wish again to express our
thanks to the men who didn't
beef or grouch and did a swell
job under the worst conditions
we have ever seen."
The DePauw Victory is being
operated by South Atlantic
Steamship Company under MSTS
charter.
representation men the Union
they wanted.
On the basis of the testimony
offered by the SIU the commit
tee is pushing a full scale in
vestigation of the hiring prac
tices • of the East Coast tanker
companies.
Following receipt of the over
seas LOG—^which is mailed to
every SIU ship on the seas —
crews held special meetings in
ports throughout 'the world to
draw up letters of appreciation
to the committee for its splen
did work in behalf of American
seamen.
Dozens of crews in ship's min
utes forwarded to SIU headquar
ters reported that they had sent
letters to the Senator and sev
eral enclosed copies of the let
ters.
Almost every one of the 16
Cities Service tanker crews re
ported its sentiments to the Sen
ator.
In the letter sent by one Cities
Service crew — that of the SS
Lone Jack—the 29 crewmembers
stated that the Committee's work
had opened a new era for sea
men. In part their letter stated:
"To us seamen, this decision
means considerably more than
the outcome of this singular
case. It means to us that the
maritime industry has entered
a new era—an era in which the
seamen and their conditions have
finally come into the eyes of the
public and responsible organiza
tions."
DROVE A WEDGE
The SS Kathryn crew. Bull
Line, in its letter called the Sen
ate Committee's work a '"praise
worthy expose of the fanatical
and illegal attempt of Cities Ser
vice to deny tankermen the
right to Union representation."
The Suzanne men, also Bull
Line, called the Senator's work
worthy of a "crown of laurel
leaves, which we would like to
personally place on your head."
The SS Fairport crew. Water
man, told the committee's leader
that his work has "driven a
wedge into the diehard tanker
employers and has opened the
door to a better way .of life
for all seamen on American
tanksliips."
An incidental point .lyorth men
tioning is that when Senator
Miurray' receives the letters com
ing to him from ports through
out the world he'll probably feel
a tug of the wanderlpst, for at
the close of the hearings in
Washington Senator Murray told
the assembled" representatives of
the SIU, "After sitting here and
listening to this testimony it re
minds me of my boyhood desire
to go to sea and see the world.
I would like to be a rnember
of the Seafarers International
Union and sail aboard a ship
especially at times when the
problems we must sit here and
deal with become so heavy."
SWEETWATER CREW'S SWEETHEART
While the MarTrade tanker Sweetwater was in Has
Tanura taking on another load of oil for Europe they were
visited in the messroom by :an unidentified youngsfer. Before
the boys loaded her pockets with lujnp sugar they posed for
this picture. Seafarers are, left to right: P. Vourdires, Steward;
3: Efitathiou, OS; W. Healy, AB, and J. Gallagher, AB.
As Editor Of Shipboard Paper
The crew of the SS Del Norte had no difficulty in choosing a man td
fill the editor's post when they created their ship's newspaper^ the Navigator
they had a natural in their nudsts. Navigator editor Thurston J. Lewis,
33yearold AB, has aspired to bc a writer and editor since his college days
at Okiahoitia University,^'
where he found writing'
right up his alley, but cut
short hisj literary notions
abruptly to enlist in the
Navy when the Japs
bombed Pearl Harbor.
Lewis put in a wartime stint
as signalman and twice was tor
pedoed.
Now as the editor of the Na
vigator he has the opportunity
for the first time to exercise his
ambition to see his stories in
print and to fiay away ivith the
blue pencil on the other guy's
material.
According to the notes sup-
plied the LOG by a fellow crew-
member of Lewis', he is not only
a capable editorial chief, but he
is also a first rate Union mem-
ber as well, whose likes and dis-
likes raiige iiom venison steaks
(a like) to shipboard foul-ups
(a dislike). . ,
GOOD BROTHER
The supplier of notes noted
that after Lewis joined the SIU
he quickly acquainted himself
with the Union's operations and
served capably as picket captain
in San Francisco during the 1946
General Strike. He has also serv
Belated Thanks
The belated thanks of the
SIU are due the mother of
a Seafarer who sent the New
York Hall a , carton of de
tective stories for the enjoy
ment of the members on the
recreation deck.
Mrs. Lisa M. Prijos sent
the books to the Union sev
eral weeks ago, and since,
then the members have given
good useto the books. Our
wholehearted—but somewhat
belated — thanks to Mrs.
Prijos for her interest in the
members of the SIU.
ed as departpiental or ship's
delegate on many vessels and is
always available for duty in any
union effort. The notetaker also
reported that Lewis is as yet.
unmarried, but is looking around
for the right girl.
His modesty is such, however,
that the notetaker couldn't, dig.
up a_ photograph for the LOG.
What his biographer forgot to
mention' was that the apprecia
tive crew of the SS Del Norte
recently presented Brother Lewis
with a wrist watch in recognition
of his excellent work as the Na
vigator editor.
WELL, WELL, WELL! WHATTA YOU KNOW?
Would TOO like to nnke enou^ money in ONE'YEAR to start a business^ get a nice v
new car, further your education or fulfill any other similar ambitiont CERTAIKLY '
you would! Those things take money, sure, so read carefully for IHIS amy be YOUR
OPPORTDlflTY for fulfilling your chosen plan. ' '
Eyery year MANY KEW MEN get JOBS on merchant ships because there is a hi^ rate
of employment tumpver In the Merchant Marine. The average sailing time of a Merr
chant Seaman Is 11 years, sane men stay with the ships most of their lives but the
majority sail only a few years and then there are those men who sail only a YEAR
or TWO, save their money, emd go ashore with a few TBODSAHD dollars to back them
up In some other enterprise. At any rate, whatever a man decides to do. It Is
certain that he will have some very enjoyable experiences, never to be forgotten/
Forgetting the monetary gain for the moment 'there are many other attractions
such as the traveling to far away places, the enchanting South Sea Islands, the
mysterious Par East, the sparkle and gaiety of life In France, the romntlo lat-
in American Countries, native dances in South Africa, pink cheeked fraulelns In ^
Germany, sight seeing in some of the worlds most famous resorts and many other
Interesting things are to be enjoyed while sailing In the Merchant Marine, one
of the worlds most FASCIRATINO occupations. ALL.THIS AMD YOU GET PAID FOR IT TOO
^PUIS jood wholesome food, modem quarters and free medical attention.
» Vi». V 1,1 ^,1 li^i. 1,1 • > I • . IM 1^1 11^ ^ ^
This is how one character is advertising his book on how to get a job in the merchants
marine. What he forgot to mention is that same
fraulins," etc.) of every other job—if you don't
family. We hope the suckers don't bite.
thing holds true
eat, drink, smoke.
(all except "pink cheeked
wear clothes, or support a
Frldey. NOTMSIMX 10. 19SQ THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Seven
Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings
AZALEA CITY. Oct.^ 12 —
Chairman. A1 Driver: Secretary.
George Leideman. Delegates re
quested a variety in menus.
Ship's Delegate to ask Captain
for a,draw every five days. Mo
tion" carried to have gravies for
dinner and sUpper. Larger var
ietyin night lunches requested
and bacon, ham or sausages be
served with breakfast.
i ^ "
DEL AIRES. Sept. 24—Chair
man. L. Hancock; Secretary, Ray
Casanova. Delegates reported oh
the number of books .and per
mits in their departments. Sug
gestion made that each depart
ment take a week in .turn for
cleaning PO messroom. Dele
gates to meet jointly to prepare
a repair list.
* X %
PAOLI. Oct. 8 — Chairman,
Raynfond Hunter; Secretuy, C.
Efstathion. Delegates reported no
beefs. Bill Louie elected Ship's
Delegate. Motion carried to send
corigratujlatory telegram to SIU
Headquarters for fine work done
in securing a contract.
its.
PAOLI, Oct. 21—Chairman, C.
Graham; ~ Secretary, A. Slavi
bauch.. Motion carried to take
pictures, of crew and send them
to the LOG accompanied with
a letter.
t ^ %
SEA MAGIC, Oct. 10—Chair
man. Bob Pideaux: Secretary,
Bill Doran. Motion carried to see
Skipper about cigarettes. Dis
cussion on welfare benefit cards
and other points relative to Wel
fare Plan. Delegates elected for
first run of ship under SIU con
tract.
©O YOU SET THE LOS AT MOVIE
*^IF /yOT, FjLL OUT A FORM AND *
MAIL IT TO THE LOS,
51 BEAN/ER ST,
NEW Yt?R<4,N.Y.
3^ ^ &
STEEL APPRENTICE, Oct. 22
—Chairman. Donald Rood; Sec
retary, Jack Dolan. Delegates re
ported no beefs, Motion carried
to have a letter drawn up to
send to Senator Murrav thank
ing him and the members of his
Senate Committee for their good
work in the Cities Service in
vestigation. Letter written and
Signed in behalf of crew by four
Delegates and mailed from Bom
bay.
X % %
SAND CAPTAIN, Oct. 22 —
Chairman, Ed. O'Rourke; Secre
tary, Peter Lint. Delegates re
ported all in order. Motion car
ried to have Ship's Delegate re
que^' that the LOG be mailed
to tlie ship as it" is mailed to
ships on foreign runs. Linen
k'^per announced new hours for
each watch to change its linen,
t »
GOVERNMENT CAMP, Oct.
25—Chairman, H. Meacham; Sec
retary, H. Goodfried. Ship's Del
egate reported that delay ip ob
taining draw will be eliminated
in" the future by having a draw
list made up in advance. Motion
carried to request Skipper to al
ternate time for fire and boat
xirill, so as to give each watch
a chance to sleep through. Chief
Cook given a vote, of thanks for
the fine job he has done.
t, % %
STEEL VENDOR, Oct. 1 —
Chairman, Handley; Secretary,
Blackie Connors. Delegates re
ported disputed overtime in all
departments. Beefs to be taken
up : with Patrolman at payoff.
Complaint, made that one of the" man.
out wearing a shirt. Decision
made that this practice come to
a screeching halt. Discussion on
poor bread aboard. Suggestion
made that both the Steward and
the. Second Cook make a batch
of bread. If they are both poor,
then the crew will request that
new fiour be put aboard.
t, % t.
ALCOA PENNANT (d^e not
given)—Chairman. H. Field; Sec
retary, J. Hicks. Delegates' re
ports, read and accepted. Ship's
Delegate instructed to write a
letter to Senator Murray thank
ing him for the work done in
the Cities Service case. Crew
voted to donate $1 apiece toward
the purchase of a new washing
machine.
X % X
MALDEN VICTORY. Sept. 13
—Chairman. Jhmes McRae; Sbc
retary. Red Brady. Delegates re
ported number of books and per
mits in their departments. Mo
tion carried to purchase a new
washing machine in the first US
port reached. Cleanliness of laun
dry room a topic of discussion.
XXX
BLACK EAGLE, Aug. 13 —
Chairman. Raymond" Queen; Sec
retary, Berton Meade. Delegate
reported everything okay, except
that Captain is giving Steward
a bad time. Steward reported
that Captain wants canteloupes
sliced in eight instead of six
parts, , and to have fresh milk
given out only at breakfast. Cap
tain has made petty remarks
about Steward's ability. Ship's
Delegate to turn matter over to
Patrolman when ship hits San
Francisco. Electrician requested
that all foc'sle fans be turned
off when the quarters are vacant.
XXX
ALCOA RANGEa Oct. 26 —
Chairmcm, Little; Secretary, R.
Bames. Delegates reported all in
order. Crew sent a telegram to
SIU headquarters, Ranking Ne
gotiating Committee for securing
a wage incifease. Motion carried
to give a vote of thanks to Stew
ards Department for a job well
done,
XXX
ROYAL OAK. Oct. 25—Chair
Earl Dixon; Secretary.
emphasized the importance of
putting in for all overtime ac
tually worked by turning in
sheets^ to department Delegate.
Ship's Delegate told to see Pa
trolman about Welfare Plan ben
eficiary blanks. Chairman gave
a short talk on the duties of a
Ship's Delegate. Request made
that Port Steward be seen about
having more fruit juices aboard.
XXX*
VENORE, Oct. 25—Chairman,
C. Lewelyn; Secretary], J. Easter
ling. Delegates reported every
thing in order. Statement made
concerning AB who was injured
when ship left safe anchorage
before it was secured. Motion
carried for crew to stand behind
the Steward in his campaign for
better food.
XXX,
CHRISTINE, Oct. 21 —Chair
man, Goldferb; Secretary, Farqu
har. Delegates reported every
thing in order. Discussion on
Captain's claim that the men
were, not working fast enough in
cleaning holds. Pointed out tliat
the crew was one man short and
being shorthanded takes two ex
tra days to do the job.
XXX
EDITH, Oct. 22—Chairman, G.
Smith; Secretary, L. Reno. Dele
gates reported on number of
books and permits in their de
partments. Ship's Delegate re
ported that milk had been left
on the dock an hour until after
dinner, so no penalty hour could
be claimed. Stewards Department
commended for/fine meals. Let
ter to be written to Senator Mur
ray thanking him for his com
mittee's fine work in the Cities
Service investigation.
MOSTANK? Octf 15 —Chair
man, Luke Collins: Secretary, Al
fred Yarborough. Discussion on
possibility of getting another
man in the Stewards Depart
ment of ship, inasmuch as Mess
men quit as soon as they find
the ship is short one man in
manning scale. Matter to be re
ferred to Negotiating Committee.
XXX
ELLY, Oct. 23—Chairman, Car
lan Heurga; Secretary, James Da
vis. Delegates' reports accepted.
Vote of confidence taken on
Steward. Steward given major
ity of crew's support.
111.
GOLDEN CITY, Oct. 8—Chair
man, J. Mitchell; Secretary, Otto
Hoepner. Ship's Delegate report
ed that entire ship's fund had
been exhausted in the purchase
of a washing machine. Motion
carried that at no time should
crewmembers of any depart
ment make any private deals
with the department heads for
overtime jobs.
^ XXX
SOUTHWIND, Aug. 27—Chair
man, R. Rife; Secretary, J. Mc
Donald. Delegates reported all in
order. Ship's Delegate gave a
talk on how to conduct a ship
board meeting and urged the
crewmembers to read the Union
literature aboard. Suggestion
made that the menus be im
proved.
XXX
KATHRYN, Oct. 22 — Chair
man. S. Neilson; Secretary. Pedro
Claudio. Delegates reported on
books and permits in their de
partments. Letter to Senator
Murrr.y read to crew and signed
by all members.
XXX
LOGAN'S FORT, Oct. 19.—
Chairman, Fred Smith; Secre
tary, William Morris. Delegates
reported no beefs. Delegates el
ected for all departments. Com
plain registered over Steward
washing bulkhead in saloon
mess. Sanitary man delegated^ to
get linen for entire department.
XXX
CLAIBORNE, Sept. 17=Chair.
man. P. McCann; Secretary, KL
Grimes. Ship's Delegate elected.
Radio operator asked to post
war news for crew's benefit, i
Ship's fund reported as standing
at $23.50.
XXX
CAPE MOHICAN, Oct. 26
Chairman, Joseph Blake; Secre
tary, Ed Starns. Departments re •
ported in good order. Crew ask
ed to cooperate in keeping laun
dry and recreation room clean.
Repair list made up for aU de
partments.
Notice To All SIU Members
The SEAS'ARERS LOG as the official publication of the Sea
farers International Union is available to all members who wish
to have it sent to their home free of charge for the enjoyment of
their families and themselves when ashore. If you desire to have
the LOG sent to you each week address cards are on hand at every
SIU branch for this purpose.
However, for those who are at sea or at a distance from a SIU
hall, the LOG reproduces below the form used to request the LOG,
which you can fill out, detach and send to: SEAFARERS LOG, 51
Beaver Str eet, New York 4, N. Y.
PLEASE PRINT INFORMATION
To the Editor:
I would like the SEAFARERS LOG mailed to the
address beldw:
XXX
STEEL FLYER, Ocl. l4 —
Chairman, John Jacobson; Sec
refary,' J. Goodall. Delegates re
ported all in order. Motion, car
ried that water be pumped over
the side and the tanks cleaned, as •
the water continued to have a
black oily substance in it. Mo
tion carried to write a letter of
thanks to Senator James Murray
thanking him for his commit^
tee's work in the Cities Serv
ice case. Discussion on the or
ganizing drive in Cities Service.
Each member agreed to send a
letter to Senator Murray.
XXX
DOROTHY, Oct. 15—Chmrman,
R. Cummings; Secretary^ Dea
con. Delegates reported books
and permits in their departments.
Motion carried for each member
to write Senator Murray and ex
press his appreciation for help
he has given American seamen.
Witnesses to tragedy aboard
ship urged to keep themselves
available for questioning.
• . XXX
SOUTHWIND, Oct. 8 —Chair
man, W. Porter; Secretary, J.
Craven. Delegates reported some
disputed overtime. Steward re
ported that vegetables were ques
tionable in Far East and thus
had not ordered any. Crew ask
ed for a variety of salads and
pastries.
iMesLsmen was serving food with. Frank Rol^rtson. Ship's Delegate
Name
Street Address
City Zone..;.... State 1
, Signed
Book No
XXX
STEEL ROVER (date not
given) — Chairman, Anderson:
Secretary, Phillips. Ship's Dele
gate urged the crew to exercise
caution in drinking ashore, both
for their own protection and
for the honor of the SIU. Co
operation between departments
.stressed. One minute of silence
observed for Brothers lost at
sea. ^
SUZANNE,^ Oct. 26—ChairmarC
Thornehill; Secretary, Vigo. Del
egates reported books in order.
Letter of appreciation written
"and signed by entire crew to
Senator Murray for the tine
work his committee did in the
Cities Service investigation.
XXX
MONROE, Oct. 15—Chairman.
P. San Miguel; Secretary, J.
Flynn. Delegates reported all
running smoothly. Repair list
made up and approved. Crew
members who use washing ma
chine to pay $1 to repairkitty.
Letter to be sent , to Senator
Murray^ thanking his committee
for the Cities Service investiga
tion.
Page Eight t H E S id F AR ER S VOG 1»0
• Mh.
tei?^:;::.
PP' bvi"
S3W
Dayman's OT Problem
Busts Deck Harmony
iw •
lii
To the Edilor:
• I wish to discuss a subject
• that I have found to be a bone
• of contention ever since the war
• ended. At least I have found it
• to come up on about every other
' ship I've signed on.
. It isi this:
In equalizing the overtime
among the members of a ship's
• deck department, is Sunday and
' Holiday overtime to be consid
ered in each man's total number
of hours?
, By way of an illustration, I
.cite this example: ^
Under most of our various
agreements as applied to freight
ers it is stated that the sailors
shall stand the gangway watches
in port. Yet when it comes to
• alloting each*man's turn the
• watch standers usually want to
Log-A'Rhythms
Devil's Kin
By JACK DEVERS
fi'
F,?
i;.: f-
I sailed the windjammer Devil's
Kin,
• A ship named correctly, Maieys,
And headed for the country of
Persia,
More conunonly known as Hades.
... I bunked in a smelly old foc'sle
'PWith a rank and motley crew,
'^And when I counted their num
ber
P''
I'nu,"''.
I found close tadhirtytwo.
>1 sat at a rickety old table
: To eat what the cook called
chow.
The slop that crawled maggots
We ate, though I know not how.
We worked all day and half the
ni^it
Under a Mate who was truly a
cur.
He'd rant and rave and holler
' .If he saw you fail to stir.
"the Bosun was a mad slave
" ^ driver,
^ Who the crew did finally shove
^^iis aiicicnt hatefilled carcass
.hoard:^^ ^aiks to
vp: • . loye, ; V
^ ^he.vsMp was at sea for three
• ' • ;'year»
Who knows, it might have been
four,
1 never kept track of the time,
1 was always too tired and sore
exclude the deck maintenance
men from this overtime work.
The watch stander's usual ar
gument is that inasmuch as they
.stand the watches at sea they
should stand the gangway
watches in port. Although the
agreement states "sailors shall
stand ..."
WHAT AM I?
Isn't a deck maintenance man
a sailor? As applied to tankers
find the same beef. But with this
exception: As sea watches are
seldom broken on a tanker there
are no oneman gangway watches
to be stood. Watch relieves
watch.
The deck gang watch standers
on this wagon want to exclude
the figuring of their Sunday and
Holiday overtime from the to
tals of each man, saying that
they have to stand Sunday
watches but the daymen only
work 5% days a week and ge
paid $18 a month more than ABs
to compensate them for not hav
ing the opportunity to work
much overtime.
As I said before. This beef
prevails. It is causing a serious
split among the sailors. ABs ver
sus • daymen. It makes "h day
man feel he is an outsider and
that the other members of the
deck department are against him.
The main trouble is that we have
no precedent to go by. There is
much confusion and misunder
standing on both sides.
How about our Negotiating
Committee rendering an opinion
on this? Or our officials stating
their views. When agreements
were drawn up, was a deck
maintenance give more base pay
over an AB to compensate him
for overtime loss or was it be
cause he has to work harder in
a straight eight hour day?
So, the questions are these:
Are Sundays to be figured in
computing each man's overtime
total and why are deck main
tenances paid ihore than AB's?
R
Well, those days are finally over
And it's thankful to God I be
That the Union iinally brought
rest
To the men who go down to sea
So take heed all you Seafarers,
Put this tip down deep in your
pipe:
Before you start fussin and
bitchin
JMake sure you've got a good
' gripe.
For if your beef is a phony.
Or at payoff yon're fiUl of gim
You may wak® ''!? morning
A sailing the out Devil's Kin.
Paul Arthofer
Fort Bridger
(Ed. Note: The extra pay for
the deck maintenance is eom
pensatiom for his not luiving
the opportunity to share in
the AB's overtime. On the
other point the contract states
that overtime shall be divid
ed as equally as possible
among the members of the
deck department. This means
watchstanders and day work
ers with the exception of the
Carpenter. Thus daymen
.should take their turn at gang
way watches along with the
AB's.)
SFA^ABFJl TJLKES A BRIDE
On haiid for the reception at the bride's home were several
of the Del Sud's crewmembers to lend cheer to the occasion.
Here with the happy bridegroom are Mike Du;ane, Second
Baker (left) and Dick Ramsperger, Chief Baker. Photos were
submitted to the LOG by Malcolm Woods.
AHENTION!
If you don't find linen
when you go aboard your
ship^ notify the Hall at once.
A telegram from LeHarve or
Singapore won't do you any
good. It's your bed and you
have ta lie in it.
Crew Cancels
Meal Tickets
On Gulf Run
To the Editor:
Let's make this an open let
ter to aU beachcombers down
this way on the touchy matter
of "Brothers" biunming a meal
or two on these ships running
from Tampa on around the Gulf,
The crew of the SS DeSoto de
cided at our. last shipboard meet
ing to drop a line to the LOG
explaining tbe reason why the
Steward will have to refuse any
and all in search of a bite to eat.
Let's put it this way. We as
Union Brothers don't want to re
fuse anyone, and the chances are
good that the beachcombers
mow someone aboard and CEUI
always pick up a buck or two.
But as it happened recently,
the Skipper happened into the
messroom and noticed about five
or six guys eating. He didn't rec
ognize any of them as men he
had signed 6n the ship. Brothers,
that was it! The Steward got
orders: 'Tio more, or else."
A FAST FEED
So, Brothers, take no" offense
at being turned down, and if
things are real bad the gangway
watch can always slip you a fast
sandwich. I could go into more
detail and tell you stories about
a phony or two slipping aboard
with a meal in mind and slip
ping ashore Avith somebody's suit,
tie and watch, but you guys
know all about that.
To change the subject, I'm rid
ing the DeSoto now, having quit
the Frances to give someone else
a chance to take over the snap
Bosun's job. I heard that my^
buddy Steve Carr is shuttling on
the Puerto Rico. These "Waterman
ships are too tough for him. I
guess I'll stay on this sunshine
run until" Christmas—after that,
who knows.
M. Olson
Skip's Delegate „
i V ' '
* Del Sud crewmember Ed
mundo Sepulvede and his
bride^ Ihe former Terezinha
Bruno of Sao Paulo, BrazIL
Sepulveda is porterprinter
aboard the Mississippi passen
ger ship. The wedding took
place September . 18.
Gotta Ng^me'For
}S?.
E^ith Seafarers
Thank Crew For
Donated Washer
To the Editor:
We the ,crew of the SS Edith
wish to thank the crew of the
SS MOredith "Victory and the
Baltimore Branch for the wash
ing machine they turned over
to us for our use. Thanks,
Brothers.
H. W, Witt
Ship's' Delegate
Enter Contest
"To the Editor:
For the past five years I'have
noticed on several occasions thn
following characters aboard oqr
ships. I'd like to open a contest
for the most suitable names fctf
these individuals. First prize for
each name: a bottle of ice cold
suds of the yinner^s choice.
No. 1: He comes aboard a
walking encyclopedia of ^e sea
and unionism. He usually tells
of his experiences ,on other ships
as delegate. Right away he is
elected delegate. As soon as hie
has this accomplished, he be
comes the star parformer.
He always has business with
the Mate when heavy work is to
be done.
He is always aboard, ship five
minutes instead of an hour be
fore sailing time.
He is always blowing his top
.about everyone else but never
admits his erroijs. And he is usui
ally so gassed up at the 4)ayoff
.your beef and mine go unattend
ed. What's his name?
ANOTHER ONE
.'No. 2: At sea he is always on
the baU, but on the slowbell. In
port, especially on sailing day,
le is so gassed up the Bosun
fas to run him off the deck for
everyone's safety (just what he
wanted),
At coffee time you can't hear
anyone else because he is shoot
ing the breeze. *
Four or five days out of port,
and the payoff coming up soon,
he has a big smile for the Mate
atid Old Man and works like a
demon.
As soon as he is signed pn
again, he goes back into his old
routine. "What's his name? , '
These characters are getting
more plentiful^ Suitable name?
for them might help .decfeasfe
them and help make our Union
better than the best, which it
already is^ . M
The prize is on the line. Let's |
hear from someone.
/.s G. C. Coraeti
Send 'Em In
Don't hold your pictures
and stories of shipboard acti
vities. Mail them to the Sea
farers Log, 51 Beaver St.,
New York 4, N. Y. If you
haven't the time or don't feel
in the mood, just forward de
tails. We'll do the rest. Pic
tures will he returned if yoii
wish.
GLARK, RETIRING
AS NY OFFICIAL,
EXTiEJNDS THANES
To the Editor:
I would like to use the colr
umns of the LOG for a brief
message to thp membership of
the .Atlantic and Gulf District
of the SIU.
As you. all know by now, I did
not throw in .again this year
for New York Engine Patrolr
man, to Which post I was elecfc
ed in the last election—and I
want to take this opportunity tp
thank the members for their past
support and for their excellent
cooperation throughout the past
year. I would also like to extend
niy appreciation to the' Head
quarters and New Yprk Branck
officials for what was one of the
most pleasant years of my life.
Tom Clark, 25027
^wiP
Friday, Nprexnbar 10, 1950 THE SEAP ARERS LOG Page Nine
VNCIE SAW'S GOT TBBM NOW
Seafarers Charles Bulecca, AB, left and Joseph Fidalgo,
Messman, accept retirement cards from Headquartars Record
Clerk Louis Coffin before reporting for service in the Army.
The two Seafarers are hometown pale from Perth Amboy, New
Jersey, and have sailed together'regularly.
Strathcape Crew Reports
Smooth Is Word For Voyage
To the Editor:
It's a pleasure to write a let
ter of the trip of the SS Strath
cape and of the "tooperation and
events we enjoyed.
When we arrived in Baltimore
last trip, among the new men
signing on were Brothers Pete
Solberg, Stone and Larry Tyron.
Then we sailed for Galveston to
load sulphur for Immingham,
Ehgland, for which we set out
on July 13.
Our Captain, A. Loucas, is a
good one. In^ fact, he has the
crew's welfare at heart in what
ever he does, and frequently
cautions crewmembers at work to
^ercise great qare for their
physical safety, particularly" in
the Deck Gang.
Qn the matter of draws. Cap
tain Foucas is more than fair.
And he will open the slopchest
at sea at anytime if a crewmem
ber needs anything.
The Mates, too, are tops for
standing watches with.
The Engine Department seems
okay. And pie Stewards Depart
ment is okay as we have a very
good Steward aboard this trip.
We spent 12 days in England
and I have never seen Romeos
vie for each other's girl friends
as I did'this trip. I also want to
mention that one of the crew
was married while in England.
From England we went to
Narvik, Norway, the land of the
midnight sun. We were only
there two days, leaving for Bal
timer on August 16 and arriving
there on September 2.
All around our trip was ex
ceptionally good. The weather
was perfect. Until we meet again,
smooth sailing to you Brothers,
Charles B. Martin
Saunders Okays
Gordon's Bar
In New Orleans
Little Frenchie
Ninemonth Joy LeJblanc
bies an experimental step and
it seems to please her. She's
the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Benjamin LeBlanc, of Balti
more. Her pappy!i known to
his shipmates as Frenchie, is
presently aboard the SS Tihi.
To the Editor:
I have established my beach
head in the Crescent City and
Operation: Gordon's Bar is now
in full swing. After spending a
happy ̂ ten months on the Alcoa
Pilgrim, where I met many SIU
Brothers on the Island run,
think I rate a bit of shoreside
relaxation.
Things are quiet here. Ship
ping is practically at a standstill.
Some of my fellow beachcombers
are getting longer faces daily,
such ds Norman Hall, "Alfred
Cravon, Saleco and Neville Wil
liams.
Jimmy Battles passed through
here recently after getting off
the Del Sol. He had to make an
emergency flight to New York
as his house burned down. Hope
he made out alright.
BAR MAN NOW
Remember Gordon, the slave
driver on the George Washing
ton? He's running a swell joint
here in New Orleans at 207
South Rampart Street. Drop in
some time and swap yarns with
an old SIU Brother.
I saw Coffee Joe in Barbados
in the New York Club. In case
you don't know it you can pick
up LOGS there.
Sonny Rankin, I hear, is
aboard the Del Viento and Leon
Franklin is chief bellyrobber on
the Alcoa Roamer. George Bury
is still running things on the
Alcoa Partner. '
Right now • I'rri running the
bartender ragged, so I'll sign
off.
Dennis Saundesr;:
Oldtimer Describes Adventurous
Trading Voyage To Czarist Russia
To Ibo Editor:
An item in the New York
Times, recalling the adventurous
English merchants and their
trade relations with "frozen
Muscovites" by way of the Arc
tic, reminds me of the venture
e voyage I made from Eng
md to Arctic Siberia in the
year of 1911.
We had a narrow escape from
shipwreck in a storm off Cape
North. We almost struck the
rocks in Kara Straits of Novaya
Zemlya. We ran aground, in fog
when we hit an imcharted is
land in Kara Sea. We lay for
a fortnight, caught in pack ice,
.while the blizzard howled like
a pack of hxmgry wolvesl We
crashed against icebargs in the
Yenisei Gulf. We drove over,
scraping the rocky bottom of the
shallow Gulf off Dickson Island;
we anchored there, drank rum,
sang chanties; then went ashore
on Dickson Island to explore
but, flnding a warehouse with
a sign: "Ruskaya Poliamaya Ex
peditsiya," we broke into it,
looking for vodka.
I was a young sailor then, on
a steam barkentine, and the only
one who knew Russian aboard
ship at the time. It made me the
nterpreter; and the Skipper had
to depend upon me when doing
business with the Russians who
traded along the banks and at
the mouth of the Yenisei River.
We started out and sailed from
Liverpool with a cargo of salt,
rice, tea, whiskey, rifles, and
other contraband—bound for Du
dinka on the Yenisei.
'WHALING' TRIP
A misty wind was blowing in
the face when we left at dark,
going, supposedly, on a whaling
expedition and carrying, pur
posely as a blind, a moving pic
iure man and his son to take
the shots. But it dame on thick
and, with the raucous steam
whistle going day and night, we
had to stop at Stornaway, Heb
rides, for a rest, a bit of sleep
. . just to close the eyes.
It was a relief, for the vessel,
an exwhaler of 226 tons, rolled
ke a tub in a .rough. Anchored
in the bay, near a romantic
castle, here the Captain would
stay a day or two, a week per
haps—so we thought. But not
le.
Too much of h business man,
the Captain did not waste any
time' and, as soon as the sea
went down, sailed strangely for
s It A Yacht?
No, It's The
SS Golden City
To the Editor:
To substantiate the claim that
an SIU ship is a clean ship al
ow me to report the following:
When our ship visited Rotter
dam on our last trip, Mr. D.
Callichio, a mate on the SS
American Consular paid us a
• visit. After an inspection of our
ship — the SS Golden City — he
asked us if this was a yacht or
cargo ship. Everything was so
clean and good looking it was
unbelievable to him that we were
first and foremost a freight car
er.
Due credit can go to the Bo
sun, Edmund Abualy, of Phila
delphia, ,
Dutch Palmar
Ship's Delegals
Christiania, Norway, to pick up
a whaling Captain whom he did
not need and did not pick up
for that very reason, though
many applied for the job.
After an uneasy rest in the
fiord, he sailed North, hugging
the Norwegian Coast as the ship
rolled, restless, from side to side,
as'though in pain, setting out for
Siberia, full of business. It was
midnight and the sun, round and
red, seemed to be giving us a
curious stare as we. left the cod
fish smelling harbor behind ixs
and went to sea, facing the un
known.
Favored by the weather we
found the Kara Straits clear of
ice and, passing through them,
left the crags of Novaya Zemlya
in a gloom. It began to blow,
easterly winds prevailed, mist
came, ice followed, fields and
fields of ice. For a whole month
we fought our way forward
through mist, fog, and ice.
WHISKEY SOUR
At last we arrived, anchored
at Sopochnaya Korga, and be
gan to trade, selling whiskey to
the Russians at seven czarist
roubles a quart. The Captain
was delighted. He took the Rus
sians . for fools: sold them
watches that did not keep time;
told them lies; made false prom
ises.
It did not last long. The Rus
sians became wise and came
back with vengeance as the Cap
tain found out, later, to his sor
row. Emboldened by the success
of the venture, after some of
the contraband had been sold at
a handsome profit, he loaded the
rest of the cargo on lighters and.
took it up the river to Krasnoy
arsk.
It was a long travel by water
but he had an old friend there;
the British Consul, for whom he
was bringing an automobile. But
then it happened as the Rus
sians had anticipated it would
happen, as even the mouzhiks
and the Yenisei boatmen knew
it beforehand.
The Captain v/as arrested, put
in jail at Krasnoyarsk, and spent
a fortnight in company with
passportless "brodiagas" or vaga
bonds. It was a costly company.
He paid a fine of 40,000 roubles.
Meantime we on the ship at
Sopochnaya Korga had to heave
up anchor in hurry, had to fire
up, raise steam by forced draft;
and run out to sea as fast as
the old engines would stand.
It was a narrow escape. There
was the patrol of Russian sold
iers coming down to search and,
seize the ship. Four political pri
soners had escaped and we had
them aboard, stowed away. We
just took the chance and it all
ended well for the four? Russians
when they arrived with us at
London, where we all paid oft
and scattered to four winds.
I never saw them again but
heard that one of them, a robust
feUow, came later to New York
and went into business.
R. J. Peterson
1
'Mil
If
Texan Invites SIU To 'RoundUp'
To the Editor:
I am an old Seafarer who has
carried the oar inland to a place
where they asked me what it
is. That's where I've settled
down. I am xiOw. xUmiing the
"HiPlains Roundup," a weekly
hillbilly show from the city au
ditorium.
I sure wish that I could still
sail the old rust buckets under
the SIU, but the wife and kid
dies say no.
Having sent quite a few pic
tures and stories to the LOG
during the four years I was in
the Union, I really miss the
newspaper now. Can I subscribe
to it, and if so will you let me
know what the rates are? Also
inform all Seafarers who might
be in the vicinity of Plainview,
Texas, either on visit or per
manently that a paid up book
or permit will get them a free
pass to the "HiPlains Roundup."
This hospitality is, of course, ex
tended to all members of the
LOG staff and all SIU official%
too.
I have some excellept pictures
of the show that the LOG can
have on request, if you think
they will be of interest to LOG
readers.
Charles Cummins
( Ed. Note: You should be
gin receiving the LOG short
ly. which is sent freoTof charge
to all active and former mem
bers. By all means, Brolh^
send in those pictures.)
SS steel Seafarer crewmember H. Clemens. AB. poses with
a model boat ho fashion 3d during the ship's extensive voyage
to Far Eastern ports recently. Photo was by the ship's delegate.
X>ia» Tea T BE SE AF ABERS LO G Fridey, November 10, 19^
V
»»
E
Asian Workers Get US Help And Guiilance
Many key labor and govern
ment officials are dusting off
their world maps to search out
a faraway land — an area that
one day soon may be as familiar
to the man in the street in the
US as Korea now is.
At Washington headquarters
of the AFL — the CIO, at the
State Department, the Economic
Cooperation Administration —
iacute minds are grappling with
an oldnew problem. Although
most Americans know virtually
nothing about it, how it is hand
led may well determine how
they will live tomorrow and to
morrow—and if they will live
It h^s caused the midnight
oil to burn in capitals all over
the world—^in London, Paris, the
Hague, and probably Moscow
and has sent scores of Americans
ion long ocean voyages.
The problem concerns an area
vaguely associated in the public
mind with a magical. South Sea
Islandtype paradise—^but identi
£ed in geography books as South
east Asia, home to almost as
maiiy people as the 148 million
housed in the US, producer of
rubber, tin, oil, quinine, kapok
and copra, mountainous and
junglecovered, poor in develop
ment but rich in resources—stra
tegically placed at the crossroads
between India and China.
The US recently laimched a
program to assist the Southeast
Asian countries, its purposes
akin to those in Europe at the
start of the Marshall Plan, name
ly; to strengthen the countries
economically, thus strengthen
ing them politically and making
them less vulnerable to Soviet
pressures.
AID IN USE
, Already small outposts of Am
ericans — from Kansas, Oregon,
Texas and other States — have
istarted the job rolling. Rolling
as well are $91,000 worth of as
phalt, on route to Cambodia, in
IndoChina; $35,000 worth of
UDT foi< Indonesia and other US
products.
US Public Health Service ex
perts already have arrived in
I" Saigon, and have launched a
program to fight malaria and
other dread diseases.
The ECA, which succeeded in
shooting life into a withering
• ^Western Europe, is carrying out
'€he government's program.^, for
Southeast Asia—a program which
continues US policy laid down
ydth the Open Door Treaty of
f UOOi The coqntries on the ECA's
• ;? current Southeast Asia agenda
J E IndoChina, Thailand, Burma
• bold Indonesia. The first three
5 Be on the peninsula that forms
! the Southeast tip of continental
Asia; the fourth consists of an
adjacent chain of islands.
Free labor is as conscious of
the need for outside, democratic
^ assistance to these areas as is the
US State Department.
Acting swiftly in recognition
of this obvious need, the Inter
ziational Confederation of Free
Trade Unions—with which the
AFL is affiliated—last summer
dispatched a spedal mission to
the Far East to "strengthen ma
terially the forces of freedom
and progress."
American labor not only lent
.^s full support to the venture of
the ICFTU, the young organim
tion of free trade unions through
out the world; but supplied able
rqen to participate. .
Gordon W. Chapman, secre
tarytreasurer, Federation o;
State, County and Mimicipal Em
ployes, represented the AFL.
John Brophy, national director
of industrial union councils, went
for the CIO.
They found a standard of liv
ing lower than that of our poor
est P9pr, and labor organizations
so yoiing and haphazardly crgan
izied that they could not cope
alone with the gigantic job 40
be done.
They noted a lack of enlight
ened management and gbvem
ment practices with regard to la
bor, which left industrial work
ers without the legal protections
which workers in the Western
world take for granted.
They discovered that labor
bosses are widely used and that
frequently workers who complain,
to the government and seek ̂ 9
improve their conditions by
joining a union are blacklisted,
intimidated — or possibly, eyep.
beaten up.
And, unhappily, they ..Igarned
that most trade unions suffer
from inexperienced leadership
and an uninformed membership<i|
making it difficult for them, to
win gains for the workers.
Chapman, on his return, re.
ported:
"We were pleasantly surprised
with the wonderful reception
which we received and the gen
uine desire on the part of the
workers to learn how to de
velop and build free trade un
ions. In some instances we were
met with communist propaganda
naming us as agents of WaU
Street and urging us to stay
away.
"We ignored this propaganda
and told the story of free trade
unionism as we know it is in
MO
• /
90*
our own country. In each coun
try that we visited we found
communist influence waning the
longer we remained there . . .
Chapman emphasized that in
the countries' he visited the
workers are "searching for free
dom." While many have obtain
ed political freedom, he explain
ed, economic freedom has "not
yet been realized."
John Brophy, who represented
the CIO on the same mission,
reported in an interview later
that an immediate start must be
made to boost the living .stand
ards of the people, if we are
to have them as friends in the
battle of survival of democracy.
"It is not enough merely; to
urge private enterprise and its
benefits," he declared. "Many
enlightened people we met be
lieve in a mixed economy—some
private enterprise and some gov
ernmental. Business interests in
Asia owned or financed or man
aged by Western businessmen
also must show greater intere^
in the free operations of labor
unions.
And then:
"We have a tremendous oppor
tunity for democratic progress
and modem Unionism in Asia.
I hope we don't, muff it."
Do not get the idea that you have been forsaken, if you not even know each other. . . Big John O'Rourke aroun^
have written, in^or the questiohs'aud answers for Electric town soaking up the atmosphere, at so much a shot—just
ians and have not received ihem"'jl'et. Due to the great paid off the Doncaster.
demand, they h^to be reprinted .and, therefore, the delay.
. . ._John Grifhes is ship's delegate aboard the Feltore. . .
Our G2 informs us that Joe Martin is department delegate
on the South wind. How are Yokohama's sights these nights,
Joe?.. . . Bob Stevens had to go south of the border into
Mexico to find himself a wife. . . His old shipmates will
be sorry to hear that Paul Sanford, formerly of the SS
Puerto Rico, has been laid up at his home for sevieral
months with an affliction that has paralyzed his body from
The men listed below are holding up the final account
ing and distribution of the monies due former Cities Service
seamen, fired for Union activity. They are urged to get in
touch immediately with Mr, William O'Loughlin, National
L^or Relations Board. 2 Park Avenue. New York City, so
thai this matter may be concluded, v
Howard Hammong ^...:.ykice Chamblain
Gabrge Murphy "aGbbiga W. Ebezdino
Jai^ F. Welch Gifi^l Amett
Jbi^ Abrew. Frefii Wings —
Rbhert Byrd Paul Coone
Charles Gamer .^ames Monroe
Norman Early ®
the waist down. He'd be glad to hear .fr<nn his friends, or
better still would like to have thprp rail QQ hjm. His ad
dress is 3352 Fulton Avenue,Brooklyn.
The crew of the Mississippi passenger wagon, Del Mar
has come out with a brand spankingnew ship's paper,
named the "MarLog." First edition consisted of 32 pages. MOBILE — Shipping for the
Congratulations to EditorinChief Bill Champlin (remem coming two weeks will be very
befr Ills "Why Bosuns Get Gray" articles?) and associate slow with the following ships
Editor Clifton Trueil for a fine job. This paper is so big it due to hit this port: The Mom
even has a sports editor, businesn ̂nanager, reporters, etc. ing Light, Iberville, Wild Ranger,
The Editorof the LOG is getting jealous. . . The secretary Fairhope, Monarch of the Sea,
of the ship's meeting held on the Steel Rover makes a note Cavalier and the Alcoa Pioneer.
that never was the minute of silepce observed so solemnly. foreign^Lrthe othcTare
Seven hours before, the ship wgs being shelled off Hong coastwise and Puerto Rican ships.
Frank Paskufic (I can also, pronounce the name) wait
ing for a short trip, preferably on that Eastern vessel wheh
she comes out for the winter. Now Eastern will probably
call off the whole deal, just to make me a liar, . . Jam^
Welch, former Oiler on the Chrysanthy Star; your g^ear is
now in the baggage room at 51 Beaver Street. Come ahd
get it, before that paper suitcase falls apart.
Cities Service improving all the time. If the oldtimers
will lend a hand, these ships will be in first class shape
before long. The job is not over yet, so pitch in and help.
Take those Cities Service jobs, and do a job. 1 . The NMU
getting alarmed over our success in Cities Service, Their
national officers tell their membership, "We cannot stand
idly by'and permit the SIU to organize in these fields
(tankers) without any steps being taken by the NMU."
Frenchy Michelet just gave me a tip on how to be a
good Steward in one easy lesson—do eveiything the op
posite of,what a chap named Shuler would do. Gad, what
humor! . . . Be sure to take advantage of your full* book
and vote for whomever you'd like to have represent you
next yesur. The proper place to express your opinion of the
candidates is on that ballot^now and not six months later
in some gin milL
Miibile Expecting Slow Weeks ;
J was
ILf Kong. Shades of World War Waterman Steamship Company
Shipping'bn the West CoaSf^lacking off—so stay home, informed me that the only two
fellows. . . The Jim Benson referred to in last week's LOG ships on the foreign run that
wants it known that the real name is Bencic. Okay, but I hit the Gulf area will be the
stiU say Benson sounds better. . . The Dispatcher had quite ^
a comcidence. Two men named Greenhaw registered one the bauxite run around No
right after the other in Group I on the deck list. They do vember 27, 1950.
By CAL TANNER
As you all know, voting for
the 1951 A&G offcials is now m
effect—so when ever you hit port
to register or to get your mail,
don't forget to vote before you
leave the Hall as voting will be
going on during the hours that
the HaU is open.
Some of the oldtimers on the
beach are: D. Horn, C. Aubert,
R. C. Stepp, F. E. Hobin, F. Drp
zak, and C. P. Aycock. '
S. P. Piner, T. B. Lash ahd
Tim Burke .are in the Mobile
Marine Hospital. If you can make
it, drop in to say "hello." If not, ,
write them a line, and let them
know their friends haven't for
gotten them. M/: ^
I'stday, Ndvember 10, 19$d rUE S E A E AR E R S LOG Page fiteVeii
Minutes Of A&G Branch Meetings In Brief
BALTIMORE—Chairman, WU
liaita Rente, 26445; Recording
Secretary, O.A; Masterson, 20287:
Reading Clerk, A. F. Stansburr,
4SS3.
Following men took the Union
meros, Walter S. Smith, Harvey
Higgins and William E. Kennedy,
Trial Committee's report anc
recommendations read and ap
proved. Motion carried to con
cur in Credential Committee's re^
pdrt on candidates. Secretary
Treasurer's financial report and
Headquarters report to the mem
bership read and concurred in,
Minutes of previous Branch
meetings read and approved.
Commimications read and ex
cuses referred to the Dispatcher.
Motion carried to accept Hospi
tal Cottunittee's report. Dr. Wil
son of the Baltimore Marine
Hospital staff addressed the
meeting. Meeting adjourned at
8:20 PM with 240 members pres
ent.
» S »
BAN FRANCISCO—Chairman,
Lloyd t^ardner, 3697; Recording
Secretary. H. Krohn, 34819; Read
ing Clerk, H. J. Fischer, 59.
A&C Shipping Frm Oft 18 To Nov. 1
Minutes of previous meetings
in all Branches read and approv
ed. Motion carried to concur in
report of Credentials Committee
on candidates seeking election to
U n i o A office. Communications
read and • excuses acted upon.
Agent reported on prospects for
shipping during the next two
weeks. He said there were two
probable ijayoffs and eight in
transit ships scheduled to call in
the next two weeks. He also re
minded membership that voting
for Union officials was to begin
today and advised members of
REG. REG. REG. TOTAL SHIPPED SHIPPED SHIPPED TOTAL
PORT . DECK ENG. « 5TWDS. REG. DECK ENG. STWDS. SHIPPED
Boston. 23 10 ; 8 41 21 10 8 39
New York 136 118 133 387 . 102 99 85 286
Philadelphia 23 26 17 66 12 6 7 25
Baltimore 54 55 43 152 89 • 74 43 206
Norfolk (Ho FIGURES RECEIVED)
Savannah ....'. 14 ' 9 11 34 5 7 4 16
Tampa 11 8 6 25 9 9 11 29
Mobile. 34 25 30 89 35 38 32 105
New Orleans........... 37 32 55 124 69 62 74 205
Galveston 26 24 22 7^ 19 26 10 55
West Coast 65 39 38 142 59 36 42 137
GRAND TOTAL...,. 423 346 363 1,132 420 367 316 1,103
Agent reported that shipping Was
expected to be slow in the com
ing two weeks. He said that un
der the new security plan, the
Coast Guard authority would be
vested in the local Port Captain,
who could prevent any one from
draft age to keep in touch with
their local boards. He announced
that a political rally was being
hdld in the SUP Hall here, and
s^d that members were invited
to attend. Motion carried to ac
cept SecretaryTreasurer's finan
cial report and Headquarters re
port to the membership. Motion
carried to concur in recommen
dations of Trial Committee. Meet
ing. adjourned at 7:40 PM with
89 members present.
» » »
PHILADELPHIA — Chairman,
D. 'C. Hall. 43372; Recording Sec
retary, W. Bouilelle, 40992; Read
ing Clerk, V. E. Burzak, 42763.
Minutes of previous meetings
read and approved. Agent dis
cussed shipping in the port, say
ing that it had quieted down a
bit in the past two weeks.
Charges read and motion carried
to elect a Trial Committee. Mo
tions carried to concur in Secre
taryTreasurer's financial report
and Headquarters report to the
membership. Meeting adjourned
at 7:45 PM, with 127 members
present.
^ t>
MOBILE—Chairman, O. Stev
ens, 115; Recording Secretary, J.
L. Carroll, 14; Reading Clerk, 71.
Motions carried to accept pre
vious Branch minutes, Secretary
'Treasurer's and Headquarters re
ports as read. Minutes of all
Branch meetings concurred in.
boarding a ship or entering a
waterfront area, if his presence
was considered harmful to US
security. He added that balloting
for 1951 officials had begun and
that every member eligible to
vote should do so. Motion car
ried that we make same dona
tion as other labor unions to the
Mobile Buildipg Trades Defense
Fund. Meeting adjourned at 8:10
!?M, with 235 members present.
i. % i,
NEW ORLEANS — Chairman,
Johnny Johnston, 53; Recording
Secretary, Herman Troxclair,
6743; Reading Clerk, Lindsey
WiUiams, 21550.
Motion carried to concur in
special meeting's action on re
port of Credentials Committee.
Motion carried that Brothers re
questing extensions be referred
to a committee. Headquarters re
port and SecretaryTreasurer's
financial report read and concur
red in. Agent reported that busi
ness affairs of port are in good
shape. He said that shipping had
picked up since the last meeting,
with more members being ship
ped than had registered during
the twoweek period. The Agent
urged all members to cast bal
lots in the current A&G District
election for officials in all ports.
He also advised the membership
to file their beneficiary cards for
death, benefits under the SIU
Welfare Plan .Cards are avail
able in the Patrolman's office on
the third deck and from the Dis
patcher on the second deck in
the New Orleans Hall, he said.
Minutes of all meetings in the
various Branches read and ac
cepted. Communication read from
local Bartenders' Union, citing
an anf4union shop catering to
seamen. Motion carried to sup
port bartenders in their beef with
this establishment, and to stay
out of the place until„he squares
away with the union. Credential
Committee's report read, and mo
tion carried to concur with a
vote of thanks. Charges and trial
committee's report read and con
curred in. The following took the
Union Oath of Obligation: Sam
Munici, Sam Brunson, Kemieth
Blackstone, Edgar Dillion, Lewis
Henry. Under Good and Welfare
there was a good deal of discusr
sion regarding the improved ap
pearance of the Hall since the
last meeting. Brothers who help
ed clean up the place were given
a vote of thanks. Meeting ad
journed at 8:10 PM, with 310
members present.
% % %
SAVANNAH—Chairman, E. B.
Tilley; Recording Secretary, T.
W. Burke, 36602; Reading Clerk,
A. Smith, 36970.
Motion carried to suspend reg
ular order of business to elect
Trial Committee, with following
elected: W. Senders, W. Stall, R.
J. Jones, H. F. Bacon, J. B. Far
row, J. A. Cail. Also elected was
Balloting Committee: M. Mc
Clure, E. H. Searcey, R. J. Jones,
R. A. Carter, F.' Kagelmacher, O.
P. Preussler. SecretaryTreasur
er's financial Report and Head
quarters report to the member
ship read and approved.' Minutes
of other Branch meetings read
and accepted. Agent reported on
shipping. Brothers J. Kite, W.
Ivey, M. McClure, G. H. Hiers,
A. R, Baker took the Union Oath
of Obligation. Motions carried to
concur in Trial Committee's and
Balloting Committee's reports as
read. Meeting adjourned 8:10 PM,
with 39 members present.
* * %
TAMPA—Meeting caUed to or
der at 7 PM but members pres
ent did not constitute a quorum
BO a regular meeting could ' not
be held.
% ^ %
GALVESTON — Chairm,an
Keith Alsop. 7311; Recording Sec
retary, R. Wilbum, 37739; Read
ing Clerk, C. M. TannehRI, 25922.
Headquarters report to the
membership and SecretaryTrea
surer's financial report read and
approv€fd. Minutes of other port
dentials Committee on candidates
for general election in Union.
Agent's report on shipping was
accepted. Meeting adjourned at
7:40 PM, with 65 members pres
ent.
^ % X
NEW YORK —Chairman. Joe
Algina, 1320; Recording Secre
tary, Freddie Stewart, 4935;
Reading Clerk, A1 Kerr, 29314.
Minutes of previous meetings
in aU Branches read and con
curred in. Port Agent discussed
the shipping situation in this
port. He said job opportunities
had been good during the past
twQ weeks, marking a slight im
provement over the previous pe*
riod. SecretaryTreasurer's finan
.cial report read and approved.
In Headquarters report to the
membership, it Was reported
that contracts for the alteration •
of the new HeadquartersPort of
New York building would be
awarded shortly^ relations with
the Cities Service Oil Company
are improving and that mino?
beefs with that outfit will be
ironed out at meeting scheduled
for this week. The report also
disclosed that the Negotiating
Committee had been cleaning up
odds and ends such as war risl^
area bonus, welfare plaii, wage
increases and other matters. Mo
tion carried to concur in Head
quarters report. Meeting ad
journed with 995 members pres
ent.
meetings read and concurred in.
Shipping in this area was dis
cussed by Agent in his report to
the membership. Meeting adjour
ned at 7:25 PM.
XXX
NORFOLK — Chairman, Ban
Rees, 95; Recording Secretary,
James A. Bullock. 4747.
Chairman pointed out that
since a quorum was not present,
that a special meeting would be
held for purpose of checking
cards and passing on excuses.
XXX
BOSTON—Chairn^pn, B. Law
son, 894; Recording Secretary, D.
Sheehan, 22856.
Minutes of meetings in other
Branches read and approved.
Motions carried to accept Secre
taryTreasurer's financial report
and Headquarters " report to the
membership as read. Motion car
ried to concur in report of Cre
WALTER TKACH
Get in touch with Bud Leavitt,
20 Hovey St., Quincy, Ma^s.
Telephone: PR 35126.
XXX
JOHN ARROYO
Contact, Benjamin B. Sterling
or Marvin Schwartz at 42 Broad
way, Ne>y York City.
5. X X ...
LIEF NIELSEN
Your brother Erik asks you
to write him'vc/o SS Calumet,
c/o Marine Ptfetoffice, Soo, Mich
igan.
X X X
WM. MICKEY POWERS ̂
This Broi^r would apEffeciate
hearing from his friends, at 169
Laurel Avenu®, Bridgeport, Con
necticut.
X
JOSEPH NORMAND RIOUX
Mrs. Shirley' Wdssel, Seamen's
Church Institute,. 25^ Soutb Street,
New York City3ia^ an important
message for you.
XXX
RICHARD EGAN
Contact Prudential Ins;irance
Company, Newark 1, New Jer
sey. Money is due you.
XXX
BERTIL SVENSSON
Get ini touch Avith lirwin Suall,
1548 President Street, Brooklyn,
New York.
XXX
GILBERT MUIRHEAD
Contact Benjamin B. Sterling,
42 Broadway, New York City.
There is money owed and due
you.
XXX
CONNALLY PLATT
Miss. Jeral Stovall wants you
to contact, her: c/o Mrs. C. E.
Rivers, 208 W. Ross, Tampa 2,
Florida.
XXX
W. SPENCER
CHRIS HALVORSEN
SOLOMON BISHAW
Contact J. J. Doyle, 510 Cali
fornia Street, San Francisco 4,
California, regarding case of
Waclaw Lueschner.
HERMANUS OUT
Get in touch with WiUiara
Gannon, SS Puerto Rico, 51
Beaver St., New York.
XXX
PEDRO ARTE AG A
Your mother has passed away.
Write your sister: Mrs. R. A.
De Suescum, PC Box 610, Guay
aquil, Equador.
X X x_
ED YANCEY
Robert G. Cowdrey asks that
you write him: SS Steel Chem
ist, c/o Isthmian SS Company,
71 Broadway, New York, New
York.
XXX
BLICKER ROBBINS
JOHN FLYNN
Get in touch with Peter Ger
navage, in Savannah, in refer
ence to your case.
XXX
CHARLES T. HALL
Get jn touch with your mother,
321 South Pearl Street, Youngs
town, Ohio.
XXX
THOMAS F. WHITESIDE
Get in touch with Richard
Gyory, 15 Moore Street, NeW
York City, concerning a settle
ment of your case.
All senders of mail and pack
ages to crewmembers on ships
operated by Orion Shipping 8t
Trading Company are requested
to include the vessel's name in
the address, to insure prompt
and proper delivery.
XXX
Anyone finding a service watch
left on SS Steel Designer, on
November 3, in Hoboken, please
send it to Donald J. Moore, d
Haddon Avenue, Camden, New
Jersey.
• Sll
• 'i
Page Twelve TBE SEAFARERS LOG Frl^y, i^ovellUHiir ibr 1^0
M. E. Watson, Chief Electrician, took the paihsf
to send these photos of the crewmemhers of thei
Steel Traveler, Isthmian, taken on a recent voyagd
to the Far East. To Brother Watson, "Thanks." To
other Seafarers, "Go thou and do likewise." / r
: • •
This is the deck gang of the Steel Traveler, looking happv and weU fed. Unforlimatdv.
Brother Watson did not idetdify all of the men in the photo. The only ones labeUed are Bosun
John (Bananas) Ziereis on the fax left, standing (behind the beard), and Peter Blanco, AB, on
the feir'right. Looking on from the rear is Alfonso Formasanto, Oiler.
The one and only John (Bananas) Ziereis shown "ha his
native garb," according to Watson.
lx
I
I fe:
George Mitchell tunes up for
the strenuous (so Brother
Watson says) work of an El
ectrician.
Here are the men responsible for the satisfied looks on the faces of the Steel Traveler
^ crewmen^rs:
Front row: F. A. Delapenha, Steward; Leonard Rhino, Saloon Messman; L. Nelson, Chief
Cook; F. Bradley, 3rd Cook.
Steward Delapenha can dish Back row: J. Styles, Sidoon Pantryman; H. Patterson, Jr„ Pantryman; W. Clark. BR; Cecil
it out, and tlie men like it. Thomasr PBR. and L. Brown, BR Utility.
It's on the arm, fellows, and
these guys on the left seem to
like it, especially the brave
guy with the hypo. Sorry, we
don't have the full names, but
taking the usual shots for
Near wd Far East trips are:
the Jr. Third Mate; Bauer,
FWT; Mac, OS, and Bob, AB.
On the right are some rep
resentatives of the engine de
partment, with Port Said,
E^Pf' serving as the back
drop: Francis Panette, Jr.,
.Wiper; Herbert White, FWT;
F. A. Wainwright, FWT, and
Jim Moore, Oiler, who is also
the. Delegate.